Duck-Taped Umbrella

I made my predictable afternoon phone call to Rick on my way home today.  This phone call usually finds us rehashing the day's events, the ups and downs.  Today's phone call filled me with such joy.

Rick shared how, for the first time, he took all 3 girls on a walk in our big Radio Flyer wagon.  He had rigged it with duck tape, a bungee cord, and an umbrella to keep the girls out of the direct sun.  Pulling the wagon all around the neighborhood, they waved at all of the people who honked as they drove by (Rick lovingly said they were like celebrities!) and talked to neighbors and passersby.  They met a man from Uganda who shared that, in his village, having twins made you some type of high official!  He told Rick that twins were a sign of good luck in his culture.  

As they continued on, the wind picked up and, apparently, Marielle's hat blew across the street.  So, Rick pulled that big red wagon with the duck taped umbrella along, chasing down the hat as it would blow, then stop, then blow, then stop.  After a long adventurous walk, they pulled into the driveway, only to find that one pacifier had been dropped along the way!  So, back down the street they went looking for it!

The tale Rick shared of his wagon adventure reminded me of something you might read in a storybook with whimsical characters, bright colors, curly cue fonts, and magical events.  Their days together seem surreal, so full of love and happiness.  Of course, I'm sure when you're pulling 70 lbs. of Radio Flyer excitement behind you as you chase a blowing hat down the street you're not finding the humor in the situation, 

but something about it makes my heart smile.

I'm so happy that they have these moments together.  Funny thing, I'm not jealous or resentful that it's not me making these memories with the girls, that I'm not the one staying at home with them during the day.  I still get my special times with them and besides, I know they remember me throughout the day because written on the whiteboard when I finally made it home this afternoon...

a note

a reminder

in Rick's rushed "the-babies-are-crying" handwriting

10:27am- Gabriella says her doll is pretty like her Momma.

I see God in every man who devotes everything within himself to be the best father he can be to his family.

Love,

Mary 

P.S. My new favorite photo of the girls!  :)