By: Emma Lane
Updated: Sep. 9, 2020
Originally Published: Sep. 5, 2015
If you were to ask those who know me well to describe my personality, you might find an abundance of words synonymous with “efficient.” Perhaps a few would sprinkle in “clever” or “witty,” and there might even be “thoughtful” or “insightful.” However, you would likely never encounter the term “sentimental.” Still, even I find myself getting a bit emotional from time to time, especially when it comes to my children.
Strangely enough, it’s not always the typical tear-jerker moments that evoke those feelings—like the day my child lost a front tooth or the first time one of them forgot to greet me at the school gate. While those moments certainly tug at my heartstrings, it’s the little, unexpected instances that really take me by surprise.
Just the other day, as I was cleaning the bookshelf in the room my children share, a wave of nostalgia washed over me. Over the years, I’ve gradually sorted through the baby toys and board books, donating or gifting countless titles my kids never showed interest in. Yet, what remains is our cherished core collection: the books we’ve read countless times, those with pages held together by tape, cracked spines, and missing staples. These are the stories we’ve treasured.
As I stood there, it struck me that those white shelves were filled with the history of many years of bedtime rituals. They hold a treasure trove of my children’s childhood memories, encapsulated in words and images. Wielding my feather duster, I felt a sudden pang of longing for the times when we would curl up together, lost in those stories.
Each title represents moments of laughter and snuggles. I recalled nights when I’d read with a sleepy child nestled in my lap, his soft head resting against my chin. We would count the three bears sitting on chairs, or giggle over kittens and mittens, and embark on adventures with brave little engines. Each bedtime tale transported us to new worlds, from the tiny snail’s courage to the whimsical antics of a cheeky pigeon.
In that cozy space, shared laughter and excitement filled the air, whether we were on the couch or huddled in bed. We navigated through fantastical journeys and felt the thrill of discovery together. Yet, the realization hit me that it had been ages since we last indulged in many of those beloved stories.
As I traced my fingers over the well-loved spines, I noticed how my children’s interests evolved over time. My older son gravitated toward books about nature and science, while his younger brother preferred tales of bears and magic. To my dismay, neither of them cared much for Dr. Seuss, despite my encouragement. However, they adored the adventures of characters like that cheeky pigeon, and phrases like “Aggle, Flaggle, Klabble!” became part of our family’s vocabulary.
The shelves also held titles waiting for my younger son to discover, like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Harry Potter. These stories would soon become his own, read in his own voice, creating a new layer of connection, though it wouldn’t be shared in the same way.
As I stood there, I found myself longing for those tender moments with their chunky little bodies, soft hands, and the sweet scent of baby dreams. I took a moment to mourn the end of those nights filled with whispered “I love yous” as I tucked them in, echoing the words of Father Rabbit: “I love you all the way to the moon. And back.”
Here’s a little secret: sometimes, I still whisper those words to their sleeping forms, lost in their own dreams, even now that they’re older and no longer need me in the same way.
For more insights into parenting and family stories, check out our other blog post on home insemination. If you’re considering at-home insemination, visit Make a Mom for trusted insemination kits. Additionally, for more information about pregnancy and home insemination methods, the NHS website is an excellent resource.
In summary, the journey through bedtime stories is much more than just reading; it’s about creating lasting memories and cherishing the fleeting moments of childhood.
Leave a Reply