That Magical Moment In TIme

Today, Kloey and I had a date.

We got to spend the whole morning together.

Shopping.

Nothing glamorous, just food and supplies.

Just the two of us.

And it was fun.

After getting up earlier than usual, much earlier, we were out to the door and on our way to drop Jerrod off to take his SAT's. The closest high school proctoring the exam was an hour away. Since there was no way I was going to drive all the way home, I invited Kloey to spend the morning with me.

Here is the thing: I only brought her today to take her out of the mix left at home. She is the wildcard. I wish it wasn't that way, but it often is. Kloey did a lot of living before she came to be part of our family at 5 and 1/2. More than any kid should ever have to experience. We cannot underestimate the trauma in a childhood like hers, but we must learn to cope with it.

Our first stop was a 1950's diner. You should have seen her eyes when the waitress brought her French toast. She said, "Mom, I have never seen so much whipped cream in one place."
Kloey has been in a very good place lately. On the way to her doctor's appointment last week, I told her how much I appreciated her attitude and how much nicer it was to be around her.

We have had lots of giant steps forward and lots of baby steps back. We hang on to progress wherever we can find it, a nice reply, good table manners, a sincere apology.

Halfway through breakfast, I had a very humbling moment. I realized that I was grateful that we were having this special time together. I am always happy to have one on one time with my kids but today seemed different somehow. We had delightful engaging conversation. We talked about an article in the newspaper, the food, the grocery list, the decorations in the diner.

Kloey has definite ups and downs certain times of the year. But lately she seems to be in a better place. She thanks God for her family at night in her prayers. She seems to want to belong in a new way.

Here's another thing: Kloey and Cora came 5 and 1/2 years ago. Kloey has been with us as long as she wasn't. There seems to be an unwritten rule about that magic moment in time when they have spent more of their life with you than without. I've seen it before and it makes every tantrum, every spoiled outing/holiday, every broken thing worth it to get where we are today.

What a journey.

I LOVE this girl.