The rhythm section of my song keeps walking off. . . . into their own songs.
My oldest son was a one-month old high school Freshman when his littlest brother was born – rounding us out to a nice 5 boys – and full family of 7
It was a song that had been slowly, sweetly building into chaos, clanging, jumbling much like a Spike Jones ensemble that every so often softened again into sweetness.
I’d heard that one of the great composers would insert a loud banging moment to wake up the dozing crowd – well, this family composition every now and then surprised us with soothing, comforting, heart-swooping moments.
5 sons – and one stepped out of the song, to make his own brand of music, with a wife and 1-year-old girl who marches to a song, one foot marching, the other balancing.
And the clanging, banging, raucous organized moments continued – and like a conductor, ensuring all enter at the right times – and the notes – some sweet, some eye-crossing – still, this family song sings onward
4 sons – and one stepped out of the song, to make his own brand of music – but this one, he still comes back every few stanzas, deciding he liked what he heard every now and then
And the music slowed from a gallop to a trot – the 4rd son still racing ahead of the measure set, still trying to soar ahead but not quite knowing where ahead – part of the song one moment – singing his own the next – or singing in tandem trying ignoring his part in the song – because he’s left but not left this music sheet of family yet
2 sons left – a duet, a more paced rhythm, not as many tones competing, pitch maintenance is much easier – the song easier to follow, a simpler tune, a quieter tune
Just 2 left in the nest, still a part of our daily family song – it’s a big change – a different sound. Not as much clanging – not so raucous, not so big band
And it takes getting used to
I’m learning how to cook for 2 boys, not 5. How to not fill my grocery cart for 7, 6, 5, – only 4 – it’s harder than I thought.
I’m learning how to schedule for 2 boys, not 5 – time seems to have multiplied. There’s more of it, less straining to make it all happen, all happen happy.
I’ve always had trouble hearing what’s really being said with a bunch of back ground noise, multi-tasking the emotional pop-corn of 5, like juggling 5 balls in the air and not. dropping.one.
Just 2 – 2 voices, 2 schedules – it’s a different kind of song, a different kind of rhythm to the family, to the day, to my life.
I wish I knew the language of music theory better so I could better express – this new part with it’s new rhythm section in this old family song – but I am learning it. Catching on to it. Smiling.
The rhythm section of my song keeps walking off. . . . and I find myself listening to the songs they are making, humming along with my husband, picking up a thread of something I hadn’t heard before – it’s a sweet sound, a sweet time, a new time.
I can hear the joy in your song. Visiting you from Five minute Friday with my own song clanging loudly in my head…my children are very young and make their own kind of chaotic music! Thanks for reminding me that it IS music that we’re making here together, even if it sounds like a bunch of crazy noise. Blessings to you!
Oh you’ve captured the beautiful essence of what the empty next looks like … I am resonating with you this morning, my friend!
I hear you. I had to find a whole new rhythm when my last baby left the nest and suddenly it was just cooking dinner for 2 (which seemed pretty hard). But grace found me, and I know He’s finding you too. Love this.
I hear your heart loud and clear! I have only two left to cook for, but even more difficult is to “allow” my oldest to prefer his sweetheart’s kisses and embraces above mine!
Much love XX
Mia
Our nest is empty. They left home to fill their own nests. Our nest is full again with grandkiddos! This is a rhythm you will love! Stopping by from FMF. I enjoyed reading!
🙂 So sweet! I have found you again, I swear I swing by every few months and love to read what you have to say, but forget to come back again. I have to grab your button, I so enjoy reading you. 🙂 I’ve only ever had 2 to compete, 4 of us to cook for… it’s my norm, and I love the unforced rhythm of their own brand of chaos in my home. 🙂 FMF visitor… AJ from http://www.onepartjoyonepartcircus.com
My nest was empty for a little while and a new rhythm came with that however, one of my little birdies has come back home and we are again learning a new rhythm. This new rhythm is one I am not sure how to follow along with but we are learning.
It sounds like so many changes. I love the music images you included.