A long month ago on our drive up to Montana, Elayna had this conversation from the back seat of the car:
Elayna: Dear Jesus, I would like a new mommy. Amen.
Me: ELAYNA!
Elayna: <snickering> Hahaha…. Sorry.
I’ve told this story multiple times over the last month – mostly to highlight Elayna’s sassiness. Or that she’s a daddy’s girl. Or to pretend that it doesn’t really bother me. Or a combination of all. It’s a funny story and I enjoy retelling funny stories.
But I can’t deny that it doesn’t hurt my feelings just a little. I know that Elayna loves me – I see it in her late night kisses or her early morning hugs or her running greetings after work is done. And I know that I’m the least favorite parent – I know this when I brush her hair or wash her face or set her in time-out or turn off the television – the million things mothers do to infuriate their children.
And yet, I do believe a miracle happened while we were in Montana. The three of us spent most of five weeks together – albeit working and exploring and spending time with family and friends. The three of us hiked and fished and napped and snuggled. And after five weeks, Elayna spent less time shrugging off my hugs. She spent more time telling me she loved me. She asked me to lay with her at night and didn’t protest when I read her a story instead of Aaron.
It was a special time for me – and I know that I’ll always treasure our August. We saw a lot of people and enjoyed spending so much time outdoors and in Bozeman. But most of all, I’ll treasure the memories that Elayna and I had together. It was a great month…
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