I parked the car and saw them sitting at the middle table nearest to the window. Olivia had just gotten her hair cut, Francine was along for the ride (there was no way she was going to miss anything) and we were at our usual post haircut spot… Noodles (don’t ask me why or how but for whatever reason it has become a post haircut tradition).
Sitting at the middle table was a slicked back silver haired grandfather and a 12 something, skeleton embellished black and white striped fuzzy lined knit capped wearing teenaged boy. “HUH! That’s an odd looking pair. I bet that 12 year old can’t wait until that meal is over,” I thought judging by what I saw.
My daughters and I ordered our food. They got their drinks from their favorite touch a thousand buttons to get to their drink with goofy flavors machine.
“I want ice in mine!” Francine requested as she tip toed to reach the ice button. “I can do it myself Momma!” She smiled reminding me as I lifted her to reach the buttons.
“I don’t want ice in mine,” Olivia declared.
“Ok,” I smiled hovering my hand under Francine’s cup hoping she wouldn’t spill, while trying not to interfere with her independence and glancing back at Olivia making sure she didn’t overflow her cup.
We found a table and sat down. As we waited for our food to come we stated to talk. I asked them what was new with them. How was school on Friday? One question lead to talking that led to another question and more talking…The flood gates had suddenly been open.
“Remember how I can climb up on the blue pole?” Francine shared.
“Oh! You mean the one with the monkey bars,” Olivia smiled at her sister speaking a secret smile language I didn’t understand.
“Remember when I hung upside down from the monkey bars?!” Olivia boasted as she scanned my eyes for a reaction.
“Wait!” I questioned with squinted mom eyes look, testing her as look teased “You? You hung upside down from the monkey bars? You? The one who won’t ride her bike and was scared to jump off the side of the pool? Nooooo!”
“YEP!” she answered oozing pride. Her body wiggling in happiness and delight that she had surprised her mom.
“Well aren’t you brave!” I looked at her and pause, ” Wait a second… that can’t be right…Not you…. You must be talking about one of your friends! Not you!” I questioned and teased more.
“Yes, momma she did.” Francine answered determined to convince me of her big sisters new found awesomeness or trying to get her in trouble.
“Yes, I did. I really did Momma!!!” Olivia answered.
The bowls of noodles arrived at our table. We giggled and talked and shared some more. Olivia glowed in pride and I relished each second she smiled and I was warmed with pride at risk taker she was learning to become.
As I took my first bite of my dish, I looked up to see the silver haired grandfather and a 12 something teen-aged grandson leaving the restaurant. The two walked out, their eyes captivated by each others conversation, hanging on each others words, smiling at each others responses and wrapped in the happiness that comes from spending time with someone we adore.
Suddenly….
my first impression of those two was changed….
my first impression of this meal with my daughters was changed…
and I was reminded of the importance of these moments…
I was reminded of the importance of taking time to sit and talk and soak up each others lives.
