For Sandwiches, Friendship, and Michael Jackson

Yesterday was the first day of this project that I didn't post, and I keep reassuring myself that it's okay, that I don't have to post every single thing I'm thinking or doing. Fair enough.

Minus the sound of a tractor, I feel like I'm in the most peaceful place on earth right now- my mother's back porch. Surrounded by the leaves of who-knows-how-many trees, all kinds blending together to make up a leafy semi-circle, I am so lucky as to be blogging outdoors, by myself, with a glass of cold water on my left and cup of hot coffee on my right. (Can't do without my hot coffee, but it needs a cold counter-attack, because it certainly is hot today.) Sip right...sip left. Ahhhhh.

Yesterday turned out to be a beauty of a day, one that included a random act of kindness- toward baby raccoons- and the long-overdue resolution of a relationship in need of mending for three years. It all happened at a park. Lots of picnic food, lots of sun, lots of kids, lots of good energy. (Saying "lots of" that many times in a row started to sound like "lotso", reminding me of Toy Story 3...I love that movie...should watch it again.)

My kids and I met up yesterday with a wonderful friend with whom I have spent far too little time the last few years, and her four children. I had packed a plastic bag of food for my kids and me- sandwiches, pickles, Sun Chips, applesauce, juice boxes. When she showed up with her van full of kids, she practically dumped her entire kitchen onto the table. Had I been sipping on my coffee at that very moment, it would have shot straight out of my face. Bananas, grapes, brownies, bottles of water, juices, sandwiches for a hundred, yogurt, and who knows what else. I nearly died. Needless to say, there was certainly no shortage of options, and the eight of us had a lovely lunch in the shelter.

Just as the little ones were running off to play on the playground, one of them noticed two baby raccoons in the trash barrel as he was clearing his section of the table. So, my friend and I, and her oldest, proceeded to attempt to get them out. It was a raging mess. They were clinging for dear life onto the trash bag, and it meant that we had to turn the barrel upside-down, trash everywhere, to get them out. Had they been adults, we may have let them do their thing, but we were afraid their mother may not find them, or that the heat would do them in with such a heavy lid on top. Plus, we both have a weakness for animals. And they were so cute!! They scurried, all wobbly, over the cement in the shelter, as we chased them around with cameras, staying far enough away so as not to...well, you know...rabies and stuff...and not wanting their mother to do away with them having had human contact. Eventually, they made their way to a tree, and we watched (oohing and ahhing) as they made their way up. Oh, and then we picked up that mess of trash.

"There's your random act of kindness for today!" she said to me. "Awesome!"

Three years ago, her oldest and I had a serious issue. I had been around those children A LOT for quite some time, and I loved them like they were members of my family. They needed me. I needed them. I was incredibly fond of all four of them. The oldest was eleven at the time, and he and I were able to have "real" conversations, and we had an understanding-of-sorts that the others were simply not quite old enough to be a part of yet. For multiple reasons, I could no longer come around, and it was something I was never able to adequately explain to those kids. I missed them, and apparently they missed me too.

After having not seen them for a few months, the four of them were walking with a family member near where I was living at the time, and the three younger ones all but attacked me with hugs and kisses. It was particularly emotional. When I looked up to the oldest, he said, "You left us," and turned and walked away. It was the last I saw of them until yesterday.

We were able to talk on an adult level, and all the kids had a great time...as did my friend and I. We were out there for hours! Everyone got along swimmingly; the oldest gave the little ones rides on the zip line; Evan and Ayla were all about it. Evan had met them when he was very small, but this was Ayla's first time with them, and everyone was so happy. It's the longest I've seen my kids go without arguing about something in ages. Not even a tiny little, "No I didn't!", "Yes you did!" It was fantastic. Even though someone said there was a wishing well at the top of the hill, and though confused, we climbed- hot as hell, to the top of the hill, only to find there was simply a sculpture dedicated to those lost or captured in war. There was sighing. The kids all had their coins out, ready to go. Instead, we held our coins, thought of someone we missed very much (it's been an emotional few days), and laid our coins on the monument.

Ayla was very private about hers, which we respected; one of her kids had thought of her grandpa. Evan said, "Mom, you know who mine is for?" I had a pretty good idea, and I said just that. "His initials are M.J." he said. I thought for a second and said, "Oh my goodness....you did yours for Michael Jackson...??" He smiled broadly, and I said, "You know what, babe? I'll bet you do really miss him and are sad that he's not with us anymore...he really means a lot to you." Truth. [That boy does not just think MJ's music is cool- he thinks it's prolific (in his own way without using that word, of course). He understands why I get emotional every time (yes, EVERY TIME) I hear "Man in the Mirror"; he understands why he's as popular a singer and songwriter as he is. That child is not obsessed...he is overjoyed. Ayla has since become a huge fan as well, and the two of them dancing is a sight to behold. Evan does his MJ moves and gives himself street cred, while Ayla does phenomenal, creative improv in circles around him. Too cool.]

When we were packing up, I turned to the now teenage boy and said, "If it makes any difference at all, I missed you." He smiled and nodded, lowered his head, and got in the van.

Tired, hot, and thirsty, we all left that park in a really good place.

Later today, I'm off to Columbus again. PB&J sandwiches and bottled water are coming!

Have you ever gone days without food? Me either. If you have, then you understand. Use what you do have to help someone in need. A little goes a long way, and that is what this week has shown me so far. It doesn't take much, so give a little: time, money, kind words, a helping hand, a smile, a sandwich. Whatever you can, whenever you can.

Again, thank you for all the support! I am so lucky to have such wonderful people all around me.

Tim and Matthew, we love and miss you every day.