The little storms of life.

I spent time yesterday playing golf with my son in what can only be described as horrendous weather. it was so bad we eventually abandoned play and called it a day. While sitting having a warming drink in the clubhouse they were making ready to celebrate a birthday for a lady of ninety years. 

The member of staff delegated to put up the decorations for the festivities had her son sitting waiting for her, he was playing on a device. She was getting more and more frustrated with the decorations and eventually shouted at the son to be quiet. She then turned to us and apologised for shouting. I smiled and told her to think for just a moment.

I said imagine this.

The baby is teething the other children are fighting, her husband calls and says to eat dinner without him.  In frustration, she turns and shouts and the children, "Why do you not just all be quiet for a moment."

I said one of these days you'll shout: "Why don't you grow up and act your age!" and they will." 

Or "You lot get outside and find yourselves something to do...and don't slam the door!" and they will do just as you say.

You'll straighten up their rooms neat and tidy, discarded toys put away. Bedclothes tucked and smooth toys back on the shelves, hangars in the cupboards, and you'll say out loud,  "Now I want it to stay that way!" and it will.

You'll prepare a perfect dinner with a salad that hasn't been picked to death and a cake with no finger traces in it and you'll say, "Now there's a meal for a company." and you'll eat it alone.

You'll say, "I want complete privacy on the phone. No dancing around, no pantomimes, no demolition crews. Silence! Do you hear?", and you'll have it. 

No more plastic tablecloths stained with spaghetti, no more anxious nights worrying about that terrible cough, no more dandelion bouquets, no more iron-on patches, knotted shoestrings, or chewing gum hair.

Imagine, a lipstick with a point, no babysitter for New Year's Eve, washing clothes only once a week, no P.T.A. meetings, no school runs, blaring radios,.

Christmas presents out of toothpicks and paste. No more "Wet Oatmeal Kisses". No more tooth fairy giggles in the dark, or knees to heal.

Only a voice crying..."Why don't you grow up?", and the silence echoing ......."I did."

Enjoy the day. It might be raining tomorrow. 

Enjoy your friend today you may be alone tomorrow. 

Enjoy the day no matter what savour the time, nothing lasts forever.