Yesterday, a funny thing happened. It was time for Carter’s
piano lesson, so I had rounded up Carter and CJ, Carter’s piano books, my
wallet, my phone, a cup of coffee for me, and a sippy of milk for CJ. We all
left the house and headed to the car to load up. When I reached the Durango and
tried to open the door, it stayed locked. That’s unusual because it’s supposed
to automatically unlock when I open it if I have the keys with me…which is what
I didn’t have with me—the keys. I usually have the keys with me inside my coat
pocket, which I did that morning. However, half-way through the day I had switched
from my heavier coat to a down vest, since it had warmed up a little that
afternoon. The vest I was wearing did not have my keys in it. The keys were
safely pocketed in the coat which was draped over the dining room chair, in the
locked house. We were locked out. Locked out of the car, and out of the house.
It was at that time I realized, but not for the first time,
I really needed to hide a spare key somewhere outside. I mentally reminded
myself to remind myself, again, to hide a spare somewhere. Luckily, I did have my phone, so I called Carter’s piano
teacher to tell her Carter would not make it to his lesson that day.
Immediately after, I called Anthony to let him know we were locked out. He was
very nice about it and told me he would wrap things up at work and head straight
to the rescue. My hero!
Shortly after the call, Carter and I watched a video on YouTube
on how to pick a lock. We weren’t successful in picking the front door lock and
gave up. I was reassured we would not make good burglars, as we retreated to
the backyard. It was beginning to get chilly, so I told the boys to jump on the
trampoline to keep warm. I did a little phone scrolling, and then my phone battery
died. No phone, no problem.
I sat on the porch, alternating between watching the boys on
the trampoline, and staring at the grey skies bubbling with threatening storm
clouds. Just watching, smiling, realizing what a crystal-clear, beautiful
moment in life that was happening. Carter, who is over twice CJ’s age, and over
twice his size, laughing and bouncing and play-fighting with his little
brother. CJ reveling in the thrill of being bounced high into the air by his
big brother. Both being truly happy spending time with each other. No forced
interaction, not tolerating age differences only to please the parents—just two
kids on a trampoline, moving, breathing fresh air, fighting imaginary foes,
cheeks pink from the cool air. Me being still while observing the constant
movement of nature, clouds churning, bugs buzzing, breeze blowing—hoping we
didn’t get caught in the rain, but not too worried if we did.
This wouldn’t have happened if things had worked out as
scheduled. This beautiful moment was brought on by things not working out as
they were supposed to. It was brought to me by schedules falling apart. Getting
locked out of the house opened up the magic of released expectations. The cell
phone dying allowed me to be present and not distracted by unimportant things. I
want to remember yesterday forever, which is why I am writing this down.
Each day, life presents us with infinite moments of
concentrated beauty. It also presents us with infinite distractions from these unique
moments, life is mischievous that way. In the end, it’s up to us to recognize
when life is telling us to lock ourselves out of the house, and spend some time
in the backyard.
