This quote sets in a frame on top of my drier, as a constant reminder. Today seems like a good day to share it with you.
But the biggest mistake I made is the one that most of us make while doing this. I did not live in the moment enough. This is particularly clear now that the moment is gone, captured only in photographs. There is one picture of the three of them sitting in the grass on a quilt in the shadow of the swing set on a summer day, ages 6, 4 and 1. And I wish I could remember what we ate, and what we talked about, and how they sounded, and how they looked when they slept that night. I wish I had not been in such a hurry to get on to the next thing: dinner, bath, book, bed. I wish I had treasured the doing a little more and the getting it done a little less.
— Anna Quindlen, “On Being Mom”
If you’ve not read Annie Campbell’s Slice from this week, take time to do it! Her words have been speaking to me.
This book is one the simply sticks with you and stirs around. The craft is remarkable and the story structure is fun, but it is the ending that I love the most. I’m envious if you get to read it for the first time.
And on that note, remember any comment to any post between Friday, January 14 through Wednesday, January 19 gives you a chance to win two copies of Because of Mr. Terupt. If you are interested in a giveaway for Dash & Lily’s Book of Dares, a young adult book geared toward high school students, then click here to leave a comment for a chance to win. Need more explanation about the giveaways? See here. Want to read more about the books? Click here.
TWO WRITING TEACHERS 
The Anna Quindlen words you shared speak to me, too. I have six grown children–and now 16 grand-children. I love that I feel more able to live in the moment with my grandchildren, that I’ve learned that those odd moments (pushing them “just one more time” on the swing, making sugar cookies even though the kitchen could use cleaning first, and reading the same book over and over when laundry needs to be folded) are the ones the often matter most, that are the ones that create mental pictures that make me smile when I’m sad or sick or lonely. Even if we don’t have children, our world is so hectic. A moment to watch the sun set in beautiful colors, even when there’s work to be done, isn’t wasted, is it?
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My pile of “to read” grows and grows! Thank you!
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Thanks for the reminder from Anna Quindlen. Son #1 turns 17 tomorrow. It seems like he was just 9, and I am faced with the realization that he will be gone in 18 months and I will miss him horribly. Need to savor each moment of buying tennis shoes, and practicing driving (AARGH!) and just hanging out.
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If there ever was a more perfect quote for a more perfect time…it would be a miracle! Thank you for the quote and the reference to the SOLS!
Having just finished a great book, I’m in need of another, so here’s hoping my luck holds for a copy…
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Thanks, Ruth!
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That Anna Quindlen quote just made my day, as I make preparations for my son’s 6th birthday party…
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I love Anna Quindlen and am so glad you shared this quote.
Also–I have not read Because of Mr. Terupt but am putting it on my must-read list!
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I’ve been trying to live more reflectively and to have a healthier balance between work and home. I work too much and I don’t want to look back with regret at lost time with family and friends. So thank you for sharing the quote. Because of Mr. Terupt fits so perfectly with this idea- things can change in a heart beat and we never know when that can happen. What a great book for many, many reasons!
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I just finished reading the SOLS that you recommended. I am glad that you highlighted it since lately I have not been able to go visit as many of the SOLS as I would like. I love how she reminds us of the value of individual processes, rather than one right way to do it.
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I love the top quote. It is a great rationale for slice of life stories to capture some of those details to document long term.
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Thanks for the reminder to live in the moment.
Because of Mr. Terupt is a book that seems to be everywhere this week, I’d love a copy.
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Thank you for sharing that quote from Anna Quindlin…even though I’m not a mom, it reminds me of the importance of being in the moment and really enjoying it without worrying about the future. I just got your book Day by Day, and I can’t put it down! There’s so much good stuff in their!!!
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Living in the moment is something I am much more conscience of these days. I’m a working mother and the “mommy’s guilt” weighs heavy on my heart. Every moment has to count for the ones I’m missing out on.
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