If I had told my five-years-ago self that one day I’d be able to sit in a chair at the beach and watch my three children frolic in the water, that self would’ve told me to go jump in that lake.
Even yesterday as I watched just a scene unfold, I couldn’t quite believe it.
Such an occurrence has been hard-fought and won.
And it’s really nothing for which I can take credit. Those little fish just grew of their own accord; tested their little fins and swam.
I somehow managed to keep all our heads above water in the meantime, but suddenly, I find myself with five minutes of peace on the beach.
It is an entirely foreign feeling.
A still, a calm, a quiet I never dreamt I’d get.
In the melee of raising three little ones, I never thought I’d have time to catch my breath, to rest a moment, to sit back and observe.
Jennifer Butler Basile
It’s one of those moments where time suddenly seems to stop and a truth of life is filed.
There are certain things I’ve overcome; certain markers I’ve hit; bits of joy to digest.
They’re hard to recognize when being pulled along with the current, but there are blessed moments of buoyancy.
One day we’ll all be able to bob to the surface.
Chopping Potatoes 
Sheri
/ August 6, 2015So hopeful–thank you. I often worry that, by the time I can sit and enjoy them, my children will not be children anymore.
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Jennifer Butler Basile
/ August 7, 2015Ahh, there will be moments – amidst the hair pulling (both your own and sibling-to-sibling 😉 ). I take the hope where I can get it 😉 ⚓
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momasteblog
/ August 6, 2015Hey Woman, how’s it going? It’s been a crazy week over here. . . it was nice to read this post about just sitting and gazing at the water. kind of made me feel relaxed and stuff. Thanks. xo
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Jennifer Butler Basile
/ August 6, 2015Ha! Wasn’t rubbing it in ;-). You can join me anytime!
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momasteblog
/ August 6, 2015Hmmm. Maybe I will! Watcha doin Monday?
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Ruby Tuesday
/ August 6, 2015Jennifer, you having so much happiness fills me with joy just to know of it. It is hard fought and richly deserved. xo
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Jennifer Butler Basile
/ August 7, 2015A moment of peace, I guess. Wish I could keep that realization alive all the time, you know? But thank you, Ruby. I appreciate it xo
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ppdisland
/ August 7, 2015“Such an occurrence has been hard-fought and won….It’s one of those moments where time suddenly seems to stop and a truth of life is filed”
I like how you stepped back in this post to take stock of strides made. 3 kids! amazing mom, i am a third way there, yet it is amazing the lessons in here are relevant to me, and certainly many moms out here!
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Jennifer Butler Basile
/ August 7, 2015It doesn’t take three kids, Samoina. We all walk the same journey. I’m glad it resonated.
And I thank you so much for reading and for your kind words
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ppdisland
/ August 7, 2015🙂 and you post often, it challenges me I must say. positive influence Jen 🙂
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