The kids and I were walking in the cold this evening and though we were wrapped warmly in our winter coats and accessories, the chilling winds urged me to hold one hand of each kid on my either side. The little one overjoyed by mommy’s affection commented that she feels special when she gets to walk — not in front of me, not behind me but by my side.
I agree. When they’re ahead of me, I can watch where they’re going but I can’t hear them or steal a glance at their bright faces. When they are behind me, I need to make sure they’re still there. Right by my side, we’re together, connected, our pace adjusted to conform with each other, which I realized immediately is the way we should live our lives.