The Best Days Ever: What Parenting (and Pancakes) Has Taught Me by Ann Marie Patitucci

Parenting Motherhood
2 years ago

The Best Days Ever: What Parenting (and Pancakes) Has Taught Me

On some level I've always known this, but I think parenting has solidified it for me: Sometimes our “best days ever” aren’t big events or things we plan for in advance. Sometimes they include pancakes, chicken fingers and quiet conversation.

My 15-year-old has been pet sitting once or twice a week for some time now. He loves it. This week when I picked him up, on pay day, he said, “Can I take you to lunch?” Those six little words nearly made my mama heart burst. Trey told me I could pick the place. “It doesn’t have to be fast food but it can’t be TOO expensive.” He hinted that he’s been wanting breakfast food, so we decided on IHOP.

It’s been a long, stressful year for both of us. Trey is neuro-diverse which makes school a challenge for him in a typical year; this year was especially challenging. Quarantine, over a year of virtual learning for him, virtual teaching for me and an angsty teen/nagging mom have made for some stressful moments.

But for a short time yesterday we went on our mother/son date and forgot about all of it.

We laughed and ate breakfast and fried food from the “hoppy hour” menu. We didn't looked at our phones; we just enjoyed each other. And it was one of my best days ever.

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Donna John
This made me smile, Ann Marie Gardinier Halstead . We had a similar thing happen last week with my parents. We were having dinner and decided to call them and see if they wanted to join us. 20 minutes later, they got there and we had a really nice evening with them. Unplanned. Sometimes when we plan things, we build it up in our heads. I know I'm guilty of that. I'm all for more spontaneity!
Elisa Schmitz
So agree that we need to leave room for serendipity and spontaneous moments together. Those are the best. I really love this, Ann Marie Gardinier Halstead . What a wonderful day for you and your amazing son. Many thanks for sharing it with us! Donna John
Tiffany Zook
Love this AM… makes my heart sing.
Mike Prochaska
Those are always the besr adventures with the kids. Thank you for sharing it with us

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