Long ago, my kids and I established life giving rhythms. Over TV. Our days often began early but with virtual companions. Together, we snuggled, attempted to slowly awaken to our new day, learn new things, and laugh.
Once they entered school, the rhythms changed but we still sought out those moments where we sat close to each other, and interacted with the friends on the screen and each other. Eventually, those rhythms changed significantly. Homework, activities, and interests changed our routines.. Scheduling conflicts emerged.
I grieved. Full stop. I grieved for the loss of our snuggling time. I grieved for our common source of private jokes. I grieved for our the loss of our time with virtual friends (yes, I did.) It was the end of an era.
For a while, we watched our separate shows. There were a few overlaps but nothing like those moments of having a window seat to watching your child develop their own personhood, interests and sense of humor.
Sometimes things come full circle.
I never imagined that those early rhythms that brought us closer could resurface later when our physical distance was greater. Something beautiful transpires when your kids get big. Parents get to witness who they are becoming yet find new ways to bond and common interests that we never saw before.
Though I miss my kids who live away, I am loving the resuming of our early rhythms. We can’t snuggle on the couch together (we couldn’t all fit now anyways). However, we have found new shows to bond over. We don’t neccessarily watch them at the same time but we call each other and debrief. I watch shows I never expected to be interested in but love has a way of beckoning us to try new things.
And the best part? I still have a front row seat to learning more about these humans I am blessed to call my kids.
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