A Holistic Journey

, ,

Carry You In The Rain

Your toe broke through the sole. We peeped into a row of run-down restaurants for a new shoe and then stood beneath the eaves, watching cloudburst pound the pavement. I cradled you — seven years tall. I would carry you in the rain. You grew a few years smaller in my arms before slipping into…

Holistic Wayfarer
1–2 minutes
, , , , , , , , , ,

Your toe broke through the sole. We peeped into a row of run-down restaurants for a new shoe and then stood beneath the eaves, watching cloudburst pound the pavement. I cradled you — seven years tall.

I would carry you in the rain.

You grew a few years smaller in my arms before slipping into bed with me, pulling me out into the fresh, dry morning. The first thing you asked was what I’d dreamt.

Last week you’d mused, and then implored: “I wonder what’s inside the sun, Umma. I want to see.” Should I not have told you that you will burn? Should I have left you to dream impossible dreams? Did I kill your wondering?

The other day you took car tracks bereft of car and remote, pieces of gray plastic I’d wanted to toss, and turned them into a runway for your plane. The delight on your face when it took off. You blow me away as I watch life blow you away.

I forget why I keep you close. To free you to stand on your slab of questions and ingenuity, ready to run into the sun. I know that this side of dreams, there’ll be no carrying you in the rain.

 

sunbig

 

103 responses to “Carry You In The Rain”

  1. Jessica Slavin Avatar
    Jessica Slavin

    Oh thank you for this.

    Reply
    1. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
      Holistic Wayfarer

      =) So nice to hear this from you, JS.

      Xxx

      Reply
  2. Kate Loveton Avatar
    Kate Loveton

    Oh my! Wonderful.

    Reply
    1. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
      Holistic Wayfarer

      You know what, Kate? It’s so…good and helpful hearing back from you all. Because I hardly think it’ll excite an O My when I click publish.

      =)

      Thanks so much for stickin’ around.

      Xxxx
      me

      Reply
  3. manyounighted Avatar
    manyounighted

    A beautiful testament to motherhood and the balance that you strive for every day!

    Reply
    1. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
      Holistic Wayfarer

      I am
      symmetrically
      challenged.

      Sigh.

      Thanks, M.

      Reply
      1. manyounighted Avatar
        manyounighted

        You wouldn’t be a good mother, if you weren’t. 😉

      2. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
        Holistic Wayfarer

        LOL. The Alice-in-Wonderland logic is comforting.

  4. ianscyberspace Avatar
    ianscyberspace

    I remember as a small child the wonders of simple life discoveries. The bees gathering pollen, the ants in their formations and nests, birds eating insects in flight, the growth of seedlings in a garden. These were wonders to be explained. My favourite toys were ones I’d made myself, a matchbox being pulled along roads hastily constructed in the path of a beetle pulling my matchbox wagon. All simple pleasures. I think this age of electronic gimmick toys spoils all that.

    Reply
    1. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
      Holistic Wayfarer

      Yep. We are very much into handmade, self-made toys and entertainment. They are a learning unto their own. My son’s among a slim minority (perhaps of one!) among peers who’ve grown up with e-devices from the most tender age. You know I did a series on the impact of technology on learning – which ended up as a magz article last fall.

      Reply
      1. ianscyberspace Avatar
        ianscyberspace

        Well done. It really did need to have a comparative analysis of the then and now method of raising children.

  5. Wendell A. Brown Avatar
    Wendell A. Brown

    Soft and very soothing…how tender and gentle was the voice i heard through the love in your words. Someone asked tonight why my youngest daughter is so close to me…i replied when my wife was at work I always thought of my mothers tenderness I never lived without…and I wanted my daughter to know that same sweet blessing my mother gave to me every day! Awesome my dear sister…simply awesome! Spiritual hugs, love, and blessings to you always!

    Reply
    1. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
      Holistic Wayfarer

      Thanks, WB. I enjoyed the glimpse into your family and your caretaking for your girl. I would expect nothing less than that gentleness from me. I – on the other hand – sigh…I am a tiger mom yet to be tamed in many ways.

      Reply
  6. valleygrail Avatar
    valleygrail

    This was most touching. Thank you so much for sharing it.

    Reply
    1. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
      Holistic Wayfarer

      So sweet to hear from you. Thx for the good word.

      Reply
      1. valleygrail Avatar
        valleygrail

        Your blog is a highlight in my days!

      2. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
        Holistic Wayfarer

        Well, guess who just made my tired day??

        !!

        THANK you.

        Xxxxx

  7. evelyneholingue Avatar
    evelyneholingue

    A lovely and moving testament to the simple and yet profound moments lived with young children.

    Reply
    1. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
      Holistic Wayfarer

      It’s the simplest moments that are the most profound. Thanks for taking a moment, EH.

      Xxx
      D.

      Reply
  8. mikialkennethmillard Avatar
    mikialkennethmillard

    This was a brilliant post. Bravo my good friend.

    Reply
    1. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
      Holistic Wayfarer

      You really do me the honors, MK. Thank you for the high praise.

      Reply
  9. Paul Avatar
    Paul

    Beautiful Diana. Thank You.

    Reply
    1. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
      Holistic Wayfarer

      Thanks for walking along, my friend.

      Reply
  10. pepibebe Avatar
    pepibebe

    Lovely, simply lovely. Thank you.

    Reply
    1. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
      Holistic Wayfarer

      I appreciate the heartfelt praise. =)

      HW

      Reply
  11. livelytwist Avatar
    livelytwist

    Tender. Poetic. Beautiful. I read your post and thought of the many tough decisions I’ve taken. Decisions I doubted as I stood in the rain with no one to cradle me. Reading this, I remember why I made those choices, and I find strength to live with them. Thanks for sharing Diana.

    Reply
    1. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
      Holistic Wayfarer

      GAh! More chills! Wow. Thanks for sharing such a significant part of your journeying, Timi. Yes, I’ve explored from a number of angles here the truth that we need to lean into resistance to get stronger. I love how you got something so important from a piece I wrote as a mother. No matter what I write, I strive to offer something relevant to all – though I may not always succeed.

      Xxx

      Reply
  12. Donna Avatar
    Donna

    What a wonderful way you see the world – that was really beautiful, thank you

    Reply
    1. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
      Holistic Wayfarer

      =) Appreciate the sweet word, Donna. Thx for taking a moment.

      Reply
  13. T Ibara Photo Avatar
    T Ibara Photo

    This is beautiful 🙂

    Reply
    1. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
      Holistic Wayfarer

      =) I appreciate that you felt you had to say it.

      D.

      Reply
  14. atempleton Avatar
    atempleton

    My favorite post from you so far. Time is the master.

    Reply
    1. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
      Holistic Wayfarer

      That is really interesting, J [Atmpltn]. I guess you’ll find it somewhat funny that I didn’t consider it among my very best, though I’d never offer you guys a slap job. There is the whole matter of resonance and the context from which the reader processes a piece of art, right? So I wonder if these thoughts tapped the deep places of your own mothering.

      Bear hug,
      D.

      Reply
      1. atempleton Avatar
        atempleton

        Yes, I think you’re spot on here. I’ve been dealing with issues of losing some precious things/people to time, so I’m sure I brought that to the table. Also, letting go of my daughter as she heads toward young adulthood. The days are long, but the years are short, as my late mother-in-law use to always say. But, I still very much like your post on its own merits! : )

      2. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
        Holistic Wayfarer

        Ha ha ha. You didn’t have to say “I still very much like your post on its own merits! : )” but thanks, J. I did feel some of my poetry from last yr was better than this, but that just goes to show…the power and reality of resonance. Thanks for sharing what burdens your heart. My boy turns seven in about a week WaaaHHHHHH. *So sad* while I’m aware I should be thankful, with a lot of kids who have disabilities and don’t develop normally.

        Xxxx

      3. atempleton Avatar
        atempleton

        Hugs to you and Happy Birthday wishes for your son.

      4. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
        Holistic Wayfarer

        Thx. So sweet.

  15. leadpan Avatar
    leadpan

    Beautiful and eloquently written..

    Reply
    1. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
      Holistic Wayfarer

      Thank you, LP. Very nice hearing from you.

      Reply
  16. piratebobcat Avatar
    piratebobcat

    Lovely.
    Sometimes the 5 year old asks if he can ask Siri questions on my iphone. It’s always stuff like “Where do dragons sleep?” Siri never has a good answer for his questions. Haha

    Reply
    1. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
      Holistic Wayfarer

      =) Yep, sounds just like the ques mine asks. All the time. Wish I were smart ’nuff to answer!

      Reply
      1. piratebobcat Avatar
        piratebobcat

        Ha, me too. He fires off the questions so rapidly that I wonder if he’s been thinking about this stuff for a while, or if he’s just making it up on the spot. ~ Why do pencils work? How do you make a trophy?

      2. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
        Holistic Wayfarer

        LOL

        What’s inside Jupiter? (Exactly what scientists wanna know.) How many Jupiters fit in the sun? (Let’s look it up!)

        I wasn’t as smart at his age.

  17. Writing to Freedom Avatar
    Writing to Freedom

    Beautiful ode to children, mothering, dreaming and life. Thanks Diana!

    Reply
    1. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
      Holistic Wayfarer

      Thx for the lovely summation, B. =)

      Reply
      1. Writing to Freedom Avatar
        Writing to Freedom

        XD

  18. J.Gi Federizo Avatar
    J.Gi Federizo

    Wonderful and sentimental. It brought images in my head, some of which I experienced as a child myself. Sometimes, I still want to do those things. Once I have my children (which is veeeery near), I will try to experience these things and learn and grow with them.

    Reply
    1. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
      Holistic Wayfarer

      Awesome. So glad it took you back. And congratulations, dad-to-be!! =)

      Reply
      1. J.Gi Federizo Avatar
        J.Gi Federizo

        LOL!!! I may have misled you, sorry. I’m a mom-to-be 😉 The boyfriend’s got two kids so I’ll have instant kiddos. Of course, we plan to have more, but no pressure. What will be, will be 🙂

      2. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
        Holistic Wayfarer

        It was your first comment here and you have the male gravatar. =) Well, apparently congrats are still in order. Hope it all goes smoothly.

        Xxx

      3. J.Gi Federizo Avatar
        J.Gi Federizo

        Not sure about the male gravatar. Maybe I look like a male he he! Been away for a bit but “met” you through A-to-Z and have been your follower since 🙂

        Thanks for the congratulations 😀

      4. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
        Holistic Wayfarer

        Oh, I took note of your gracious and faithful likes. Thank you. =)

      5. J.Gi Federizo Avatar
        J.Gi Federizo

        Very much welcome. I like reading you 🙂

  19. 45spin Avatar
    45spin

    I find that my children and now my grandchildren are the closest way for me to reconnect to the child that is still inside of me and still wants to play. Great post.

    Reply
    1. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
      Holistic Wayfarer

      Hmmm. Very interesting. Familiar with RC planes? Remote control (speaking of the post!). My husband has really gotten into it. I had no idea they have clubs for men who get a certif or license to fly those. Enjoying the planes with his son has been a great excuse for him to satisfy something he woulda loved to do as a kid who had little opportunity for anything. He’ll sneak off in the morning to fly it by himself while we’re still asleep.

      Reply
      1. 45spin Avatar
        45spin

        With me it is trains, I spend hours on the floor with my grandchildren playing and recapturing the magic of imagination when seen through the eyes of a couple of little boys

      2. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
        Holistic Wayfarer

        “the magic of imagination when seen through the eyes of a couple of little boys”

        Wonderful.

  20. eternal Domnation Avatar
    eternal Domnation

    Beautiful, and touching. Makes me want to get in my car and race home so that I can swoop my little guy up into my arms. The words we write will never truly carry the joy of being a parent – but every so often someone gets awfully close – sometimes more than once. You’ve done it again! Pinged my heart – almost as if I am sitting with my little one watching take life on. Wonderful read, and just what I needed to get me through the rest of the day. Thank you for posting!

    Reply
    1. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
      Holistic Wayfarer

      =) It really satisfies like nothing less to hear as a writer that we “made you want to –“, right? I cherish every word, Dom. Thanks so much for the generous, clear feedback.

      Diana

      Reply
  21. maureenc Avatar
    maureenc

    A mother’s love: beautiful!

    Reply
    1. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
      Holistic Wayfarer

      Thanks, M. =)

      Reply
  22. diahannreyes Avatar
    diahannreyes

    Beautiful embracing of the holding on so he can one day learn to let go. “I would carry you in the rain.” LOVE.

    Reply
    1. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
      Holistic Wayfarer

      =)

      Sigh. Yep. I’m so good at holding on. It’s a shame most of parenting is letting go.

      Reply
  23. Little Miss Menopause Avatar
    Little Miss Menopause

    Can I thank you for the early mother’s day present this was for me? Really stunning. I got so quiet inside my head as I read. I really needed that. You gave me a gift, but you still have a huge gift. A gift with words.

    Reply
    1. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
      Holistic Wayfarer

      You’ve just been awEsome. I appreciate the ongoing support. Am glad this spoke to you. That you got so quiet inside your head is beautiful (but I’m tempted to tease or spit a wisecrack, given your personality and the spout of words you are LOL).

      Love,
      Diana

      Reply
  24. eclecticoddsnsods Avatar
    eclecticoddsnsods

    Really beautiful

    Reply
    1. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
      Holistic Wayfarer

      Thanks. =)

      Reply
  25. 2l2phant Avatar
    2l2phant

    Reblogged this on 2l2phant and commented:
    ***stands, applauding with Kleenex bundled in armpits and nested at feet***
    If only we could stop time <3

    Reply
    1. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
      Holistic Wayfarer

      =) Thanks for the reblog and the good word. Sigh. Time.

      Reply
      1. 2l2phant Avatar
        2l2phant

        But then if we stopped time, we could never see them fly <3

      2. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
        Holistic Wayfarer

        One of the most eloquent things I’ve enjoyed from you.

      3. 2l2phant Avatar
        2l2phant

        <3

  26. NS Avatar
    NS

    Just like making imaginary friends, or believing in the tooth fairy and Santa; Looking for the end of the rainbow or trying to catch a fallen star. Life’s intrigue and beauty is truly captured by our children’s hearts. Sometimes I think that’s the only reason this world is still alive.

    Reply
    1. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
      Holistic Wayfarer

      Yeah, it’s as though they can really SEE, which we stop doing in the zip and dash of grown-up living. We just look, don’t stop and see.

      Reply
  27. heatherbcosta Avatar
    heatherbcosta

    Beautiful. <3

    Reply
    1. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
      Holistic Wayfarer

      Thanks, Heather. =)

      Reply
  28. D.G.Kaye Avatar
    D.G.Kaye

    So beautiful!

    Reply
    1. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
      Holistic Wayfarer

      Thanks a bunch.

      Reply
  29. Jenni Avatar
    Jenni

    Smiling.

    Reply
    1. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
      Holistic Wayfarer

      Xxx

      Reply
  30. Malcolm Greenhill Avatar
    Malcolm Greenhill

    “I didn’t want you stepping on the cold, wet ground. I put you on my back – my boy almost seven – and had trouble walking.”

    Beautifully crafted Diana. This sentence conveys so much. Please forgive me yet again for playing my usual role of devil’s advocate, but a mother’s love is a two-edged sword. What exactly was wrong with teaching your son that such mishaps as a broken shoe are to be endured silently and with fortitude? A mother’s love can support one through life but can also drown a young man over time with overbearing solicitude. It’s a fine balance not easily found.

    Reply
    1. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
      Holistic Wayfarer

      Nothing wrong with it. Often much right with it. I wasn’t saying I was right in being so protective, esp as just about anything goes in a dream. =) In fact, I almost added a line, something like how I ought to let him feel his shoe collecting water. Just thought that was overstating. The piece as a whole is a movement toward your question and, as a minimalist in the writing, I thought the conclusion (the last line in particular) said it all:

      “forget why I keep you close, teach you at home. To free you to stand on your slab of questions and ingenuity, ready to run into the sun. I know that this side of dreams, there’ll be no carrying you in the rain.”

      You’re no devil’s advocate, MG. You’re the devil himself in a suit LOL! I can just hear all those questions you poked your teachers with in school.

      Reply
  31. obzervashunal Avatar
    obzervashunal

    The kind of post that makes you stop what you’re doing after reading it… and simply smile at its beauty, truth, and the obvious love of a mother for a son…

    Glorious, D., absolutely glorious…

    Reply
    1. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
      Holistic Wayfarer

      You’re out for the Reader of the Year Award, aren’t you, K? *smile* THANK you for the generous commendation. Glad it warmed your heart.

      D.

      Reply
      1. obzervashunal Avatar
        obzervashunal

        You’re the one to be thanked, D. Yours is easily one of the most consistent, well made, fascinating blogs in our virtual universe.
        Keep on doin’ whatcha doin’!

      2. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
        Holistic Wayfarer

        You leave me without words.

      3. obzervashunal Avatar
        obzervashunal

        Gasp!
        No, I didn’t mean to…
        Here, you can have them back!

      4. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
        Holistic Wayfarer

        LOL
        LOL!!

  32. austinjules Avatar
    austinjules

    very beautiful!

    Reply
    1. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
      Holistic Wayfarer

      Thank you for the good word and follow. Welcome to this wonderful community of thinkers. =)

      Diana

      Reply
  33. nhk49 Avatar
    nhk49

    Greatings and much happyness to you and your Son Diana. Thanks for looking at my post The Peace Express. I’ll be comming back for more of your wisdom.

    Reply
    1. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
      Holistic Wayfarer

      Appreciate the warm greeting and pledge of return. =)

      Diana

      Reply
  34. rabia noorstani Avatar
    rabia noorstani

    So beautiful and poetic.

    Reply
    1. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
      Holistic Wayfarer

      Thank you for the sweet word, RN. =)

      Reply
  35. Anna Waldherr Avatar
    Anna Waldherr

    Lovely. <3

    Reply
    1. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
      Holistic Wayfarer

      Thanks for taking a moment, Anna.
      Hope you’re well.

      Xxx
      D.

      Reply
  36. Carry You In The Rain – ReBirth: The Pursuit of Porsha

    […] Source: Carry You In The Rain […]

    Reply
  37. AmberSnaps87 Avatar
    AmberSnaps87

    Great posts u have an about u page or contact?

    Reply
    1. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
      Holistic Wayfarer

      Upper right of my home page and side bar.

      Reply
  38. Blogging_with_Bojana Avatar
    Blogging_with_Bojana

    Dream on sweet boy, dream on…

    Reply
  39. Michele Anderson Avatar
    Michele Anderson

    I don’t know how I missed this one. So beautiful. Makes me think when my grandson was that age and what a special time it is. He’s fifteen now and on different adventures that include only his friends.

    Reply
    1. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
      Holistic Wayfarer

      You blink and it’s been 10 years. It’s a shame we don’t realize in our teens how important family is. He will find his way as a father. Thanks, M.

      Reply
  40. Tobias Avatar
    Tobias

    Nice blog, I’m just now getting around to other blogs I thought tonight would be a good chance to check out the others who like my blogs. I’ll be back again. Very nice work. I like it. God bless

    Reply

Leave a Reply to eternal DomnationCancel reply

Trending

Discover more from A Holistic Journey

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading