Dear boys,
The home we rented in Stamford, Connecticut, for almost the entire month of August, allowed us to practice “letting go”, so much in fact, that I’m late posting my monthly “Letter” for the first time in seven years! During this time of global and national unrest, we relinquished our expectations, to-do lists, bedtimes and pandemic concerns and simply enjoyed our time together. Sheltering in a big house with an even bigger yard, we allowed our hearts a much needed reset all the way til summer’s end.
It’s pretty common knowledge that NYC kids learn to ride bikes much later than their suburban counterparts. Not unlike driving I suppose. So when the owner of the house, whose boys are the same age as you, said bikes were available to use, we seized the opportunity. Daddy, proven to be the better teacher, went tirelessly up and down the hill, working to build your self-confidence, showing you how to balance, coast and brake before eventually “letting go”. Then, saving you from a few over-the-handlebar face plants when you braked too hard.
We made a pact to spend as much time as possible in the backyard. Knowing winter is soon coming and with remote learning through the end of the year at MCS, there will be plenty of time spent indoors. So we ran through the sprinkler, played in the inflatable pool, busted out the iconic Slip ‘n Slide, blasted hip hop from the speaker, stomped rockets high into the sky and pumped an ongoing sea of bubbles from the bubble machine to complete our summer party vibe!
Then there were the groundhogs. We named them “Roundy the Groundy” and “Skin Skin” because of their girth or lack thereof, and by the end of the month, had fallen in love with them. First thing every morning we’d lift the blinds to see Roundy out in the yard, and throughout the day, in his various burrows and hiding spots cautiously moving about nibbling on grass. It's no wonder they’re so paranoid since Cash would often see red tailed hawks circling above. On one of our last days we witnessed a very lucky Roundy fleeing the approach of a red fox just below the bedroom window!
You placed carrots and celery on the bush near Roundy’s burrow so hours later we could watch as he got up on his haunches to eat the treats. After dinner Daddy and I would enjoy our nightly coffee and tea on the deck, waiting for our furry friends, sometimes spotting a mama deer with her two babes or peter rabbit out in the yard. He would tell me later it was his favorite time we shared together.
For me, it was our daily “walk and talks” around the neighborhood cul-de-sac. The name may be corny but that’s what we called it cause that’s what we did: we’d walk and we’d talk. A time to connect, “let go”, breathe in the freshly cut grass, examine downed trees, creepy crawlies, grasshoppers, a baby turtle, and a live action Cicada kill by a wasp! Now THAT was wild!
Watching our biggest city boy — Daddy — riding around on a bright orange beach cruiser and hearing the three of you play basketball every day in the garage, laughing and cheering was such a joy. Family dominoes and a hilarious game of in-the-house hide and seek on our last day was food for the soul. Daddy got the win for best hiding spot. “Okay Daddy, we give up! Where are you?!”
And of course, we celebrated my birthday. All THREE of you pulled off secrets and covert deliveries to make it a special day to remember in the midst of our Covid summer tour.
Yet even with this wonderful time away, which nourished us in innumerable ways, and with all the uncertainty and talk of a mass exodus from NYC (I’ll admit, we pondered whether we should uproot), I wasn’t sure how you’d feel when it came time to leave. But it was obvious you love where you live.
“I love New York City,” said Cash, “I mean, it’s nice to get away, but I couldn’t live here. I NEED to be in a city. And I LOVE our apartment. I have a lot of good memories there.”
I’m continually amazed by your resilience, the ability to adapt to any situation, and for reminding me, over and over and over, that things are going to be okay. Everything will be just fine.
This summer tour has served our family well. It allowed us to “let go” of the Covid chaos and offered our hearts a much needed reset so we could return to the city we call home.
I love you boys.
Always and forever, Mom