Calm before the storm

June 26, 2011

As I tucked Nathan into bed this evening, I couldn’t help but think that he has no idea what will be starting up tomorrow morning. He has feeding clinic in the morning and then around 11 we’ll make the first trip to the east side of Cincinnati.

Today, was supposed to be church, a quick lunch, softball, then (naps probably) then yardwork, dinner and bedtime. As we woke up and got ready for church the light rain made it hard to get too excited about what lied ahead. The rain was scheduled to stop by noon, and knowing our softball commissioner if it wasn’t raining at game time (1:30) we’d play ball.

Nathan’s tolerance for the rain is greater than mine. We got to church in a sprinkle and put him in the walker. The goal is to make him walk the distance if at all possible. He would take a few steps, giggle at the others running to get out of the rain and take his own sweet time getting into the building. He made it in his own time, and seemed happy to be back at church. Today’s service honored Founder’s Day and the 161st anniversary of our church. In a “throwback service” style they offered a children’s sermon which meant Sunday school (normally held during service.)

Many were happy to see Nathan, as since he’s been going to Sunday school, they don’t see him as often as before. We sit two rows from the back of the church (some things carry over from my Lutheran upbringing) and sit around those we enjoy seeing week after week. The collection of tithes/offerings has the congregation bring their gifts to the front of the church and put them in one of two plates.

For two years this was Nathan’s opportunity to show off how he had worked on his walking skills taking as many steps as he could before I’d pick him up and carry him the rest of the way. The last time we’ve done that was 10 months ago, and few people know how far he’s come. We made it to the aisle and as soon as his feet hit the carpet he started his downhill trot to the front of the church. With each pace, I could hear others gasp, cheer and smile (yes, there’s a sound when people see something they didn’t expect, and it suddenly makes their day.)

After the offering and sitting through a long children’s message, I knew Nathan’s wouldn’t make it through the sermon as well. I put him in his walker and headed out to the narthex where he could walk around, practice his steering and give him time to himself. If we had softball he’d be standing next to the dugout fence, watching Mom and Dad, but not doing whatever he wants to do. He was a man on the go, giggling, walking, going where he wanted and not bothering anyone else.

As church let out, we learned softball had been cancelled, leaving an afternoon open to many possibilities. Annette and Nathan chose naps, while I headed out to trim down and bag two big bushes we uprooted yesterday. It took 9 yard bags, and 3 hours, but the job is finally complete. For the last little bit Annette brought Nathan outside and set him down on a blanket under the big tree in the front yard.

With the garden looking bare and having the holes already dug Annette headed out to buy replacement (non-prickly, less massive) bushes to go in their place. I headed over to the blanket and laid down next to Nathan. Both on our backs, looking up through the branches of the tree, we noticed the multiple layers of leaves. Every now and then we could sneak a quick glimpse of the sky if we looked really hard. I reached up and grabbed a low-hanging branch and tickled Nathan’s face with the leaves. It was a first-time experience for us both, but a happy memory time, to last our lifetimes. It was a moment I wished could last for so much longer, but alas time moves on.

The rest of the night was laid back, relaxing and knowing how hectic the next two months will be. Good night Nathan. Sleep tight. Morning will come soon enough and all the opportunities it brings.

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