but we have a secret weapon.
Just when we think all is lost,
that the pull of being a teenager whose
hands are busy texting, ears are blocked
by "buds", and mind is anywhere and everywhere, else...
We build a campfire.
Yep, a few pieces of wood and a match or 20 & we're back in business.
Before we ever had kids -- I remember an older friend telling us that anytime he was worried or wondering about what was happening with his girls, he would build a fire in the backyard, get the marshmallows, graham crackers & chocolate out and then, just wait. It wouldn't take long before both his daughters would open up about whatever it was that was pulling them off-center.Back then, when we first heard him say this, I remember being arrogant enough to believe I would never need the magic powers that are available through the campfire. MY kids were always going to talk to me.
MY kids would always invite me into their lives.
MY kids wouldn't need to be bribed with sweets & burning wood.
MY kids....
well, you get the picture.
But here's the deal - MY kids, your kids, all kids,
are carrying stuff like we can't imagine.
Even when you think you're watching all the time (as if that's possible)
and you think you know what it is your child is up against,
he or she can drift away.
And you're standing right there watching.
Praying. Advocating. Loving.
All of that can be true and your child can still
look you right in the eye and then turn and walk away.
And sometimes if you're thinking fast,
you run out and light the fire.
And then, if it's one of those magic nights...
they turn around and walk back.
Could be the smell of burning wood or the chocolate and marshmallows.
Or maybe, just maybe it's the safe spot that is your love.
Whatever it is, when it happens -- when you sit there for hours and
they tell you their secrets and talk about their dreams...
All of a sudden everything seems possible again and
You'd give just about anything for 5 more minutes around the fire.
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