The table had various objects scattered over it surface, the plates didn't match and not everyone sat around it's wooden frame. She sat quietly, scooping up some mashed potato's as two young girls bounced into the kitchen, carrying two clear cages.
Conversations started up, dishes were rinsed off and set into the sink. She skirted around the girls, petting the small mouse set in one of their palms before taking a seat again.
She finished off her coke as the rest of them ate, exchanging old news, new news and news that no one really cared about, but was eager to listen to. The mice were snug in their cages, the littlest girl dragging her into the bathroom to wash their hands. Mice do carry many illnesses after all.
Music was listened to, cousins came home and got started on college homework after hugs were exchanged. Pictures were drawn, stories and adventures were told too loud and too fast. Boyfriends and girlfriends visited.
Word scrambles were played (and most taking nearly 15 min each because the brains weren't working.)
Movies were watched, pizza was delivered, eating commenced. Advice was given to eat before it was all gone.
She walked out of the house after giving many hugs, thanking them for the wonderful day and waving bye to the ones shooting hoops outside.
After hopping into the front seat of her dads truck, she watched out the window and let out a small sigh, perching her chin in her hand and smiling slightly.
From there, she came up with a theory.
Family wasn't always being 'together' in the same room. Although it is preferable and traditional, to her, it was just knowing they were THERE.
Walking in or walking out.
Dropping by to just say hi and drop off the morning paper or spending a day doing absolutely nothing and having a wonderful time.
Home cooked meals or ordered in pizza.
Pancakes right after lunch, shopping for shoes and just......being around the chaos.
The house faded around a section of trees and she listened to her dad talk about his day. She leaned into the seat, ears trained on the words he was saying and just smiling.
Sometimes, even if the weren't there long or they were there too long, it's the simple knowledge that you're apart of the whole messy process.
And that was good enough for her.
Note: This was really rough, spur of the moment and just....bleh. So, I hope you enjoyed. Constructive criticism is appreciated and welcomed.
Until We Meet Again,
Lynn
Copyright 2009 Megan Sonnier
Monday, February 2, 2009
Family Order
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2 comments? Replies? Compliments?:
I certainly recognize the chaos and the calm. ;) And I certainly appreciate getting to take a peek of the day through your eyes.
I think you did an amazing job of getting it exactly right. Sometimes the quicker the writing process, the more heartfelt the outcome.
Home and family are where the heart is, afterall. Not always together but always THERE.
Know what I mean?
And you, my dear, are always family, always welcome, and always part and parcel of the whole messy chaos and calm. :)
Love, Nanny Cay
I ditto Nanny Cay's comments. "Family Order" was a post with much meaning coming from a young lady your age. Yes, a loving family is definitely unique and with God in it's midst, conquers any loneliness and hardships that is encountered along the way. Love ya! Oma
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