Return to Dance
I’d just added finishing touches to the Chicken Cacciatore dish I was creating. There was a cross-breeze through the open kitchen / living area of the cabin, so the heady aroma of tomato and fresh basil filled the room and wafted out the windows. As the classic Bill Withers oldie Just the Two of Us came up on my playlist, the hungry and tired Consultant came through the door. “It smells great in here!”
He grabbed my hand; we smiled directly into each other’s faces and started to dance. I took the lead and twirled him before he could twirl me. When we stopped before the music ended, we laughed. Nothing needed to be said. It was an awesome moment of reconnection. Yet, it felt frivolous and I wondered why I’d ever stopped dancing?
I was a dancer, starting with ballet at 5. Then I dreamed of becoming a go-go dancer with my dad’s band. I took social dance in middle school. In my teens and as a young adult, I was the first one on the dance floor and the last to sit down. I’d been dancing my way through life.
When we first met, I danced and The Consultant didn’t. Every chance I got I’d find some single guy or friend’s partner to bop around the floor with me. Heck, if I was feeling really desperate, I’d go it alone.
Later we danced. I guess The Consultant figured he’d best join in. I was having way too much fun out there without him.
Then he danced and I didn’t. He coaxed our friends’ wives to dance with him in the living room after dinner. He took my mom and spun her around at many a family function. He danced while I watched.
Somewhere along the way, I had become reserved and in control. Something about motherhood and family life made me see the serious side of life.
Now, I want to get back to this – (listen here)
Because, in that moment, in a tiny cabin by the lake, I took The Consultant’s hand and decided to dance.
Kathi
As a mother of two grown children, I have transitioned through the empty nest and am embracing this amazing and yet, sometimes confusing stage of life. My desire is to write my way through whatever comes my way and should my thoughts resonate, I'd love to hear from you.
8 Comments
Uncle Allan
Awesome Kathi. And, by the way, Happy (belated) Anniversary to you guys. Luv ya. XOXOXOXO
My Life After Kids (Kathi Ostrom)
Thank you, Uncle Al. Can you believe we’ve been married 28 years?
janstring
Kath, You brought a lump to my throat – it’s as if you were talking to me – reminding me of what life is all about. Somewhere along the line I too became reserved and in control. Maybe it’s the awareness in Motherhood that provides us with the knowledge that our existences are very fragile and precious – or maybe our childrens existences are – as we observe them living life. Everyday I do my best to connect with the fun inside my life – inside me. Travel reconnected me – with me. Not just me ’emotionally’
Thank you for this one. I will read it again and again to remind myself. 🙂
My Life After Kids (Kathi Ostrom)
I have to remind myself, daily, that my playful side is in there somewhere and that enjoying The Consultant’s company is part of this empty nest adventure, Jan. I’m so glad you’ve found travel. It’s really the spice of life!
Karen Lobello
I must have read this five or six times, Kath.
It’s wonderful.
Like U. Allan, Happy Anniversary!!!
Love you,
Karen
My Life After Kids (Kathi Ostrom)
Glad you enjoyed it, Karen! xo
Dottie
I loved this post! It was so lighthearted and joyful. The link to the music was a great touch, too. I liked that song. Yes, definitely reconnect with your playful self. Your kids are launched. You can go back to being fun again! Lol. Keep dancing.
My Life After Kids (Kathi Ostrom)
You said it, Dottie. Back to the playful Kathi 🙂 Let’s have some fun!