My husband and I are musicians. And we’re parents. Our “backstage” experiences with our son (our little frog) deeply affect who we are as people, thus musicians. Recent insights:
Love is what you say, what you do, and how you give and take:
1. From my friend Andy:
“I just put Sadie down on the couch and said, ‘Love ya, babe.’ She waited til I was walking out of the room and said, ‘Dad …. I always remember when you say that.’ And the impact of the words I say around her hit me like ten arrows at once.”
2. From a recent road trip:
My son Nigel got a sudden case of the stomach flu–all over the hotel bed and all over one of his favorite stuffed animals, a little Ringtail Cat from Arizona. After changing the sheets and mopping him off, I washed Ringtail. Working this wet little soapy stuffed animal until he was clean, I realized I would happily wash vomit off a stuffed animal anytime for my son.
3. From my friend Laura:
Reeling from a trying weekend at work followed by heartbreaking personal news, I ran a Thanksgiving Day race with my friend Laura. We ran and laughed and ended up not having to poop during the race. Friendship is hugging your stinky, sweaty, fragile friend. And knowing that she’ll hug you back, even at your stinkiest.
Sleepy trust, vomit, and sweat. Love is all you need.