Family Life

Today was the last ice skating session for the summer. Daniel and I have been going every Friday for a couple of months, and we’ve really enjoyed it. Tonight Daniel was befriended by a couple of young girls. Eight years old, maybe? They helped him skate, talked to him, played with him, chased and raced with him. Daniel made an all-out effort to keep up, and it was probably a lot more strenuous for him than our usual Friday night skates. But he wouldn’t admit that he needed a rest. Not quite four, and already trying to impress the girls.

I got an opportunity to skate by myself, for the first time in years. It was more fun than I remembered. It felt odd having two tiny girls taking care of Daniel, out of the blue. A mother, skating with her young son, came alongside and asked about my son and “daughters.” Not my girls, I replied, and at the same time thought (for the very first time) Wouldn’t it be nice to have daughters? I mentioned this to Debbie later, and she said rather matter-of-factly, We’ll have to pray for some, then.

Debbie walked over with Joel and Micah in the stroller, and met us at the arena. The plan was that we’d all ride home together in the car, but she’d forgotten to bring Micah’s car seat. It was still at home by the door. So Daniel and I drove home to get the car seat, while Debbie and the youngest two set off on foot in the same general direction. We met up again half way, and loaded wife, boys and stroller into the car.

Joel knew we were coming back to pick them up, and he kept asking anxiously about us. He was very pleased to see us when Daniel and I finally showed up. Micah was pleased to see us too, although I got the feeling he was also quite surprised. As if this was an unexpected development. He’s four months old. He actually has expectations? Predetermined ways he thinks things should be? Maybe I’m reading more into his response than was really there. But I was surprised to see his look of surprise.

At home we sat around the table while the boys ate apple sauce and blueberries. And then some cookies. And then Daniel had a slice of toast. It was late. Way past their bedtime. But it didn’t matter. The boys were happy. Debbie and I were happy. We were together. These moments of family harmony are quite rare, and highly prized. It was a good close to the last day of skating for the summer.

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