Scott Linden Outdoors

He’s awake. Fasten your seatbelt.

Peace and quiet. How well I remember those. Now, they are a fond memory. If you had kids, you probably never forget the balls-to-the-wall pace of your days – and nights. There was simply no “me time,” as they say now.

How my mother did it is beyond me. Single parent, full-time job, four active kids. And here I am lamenting a deferred cup of coffee. Hah! (Thanks Mom.)

For those of us whose “kids” went home at 3 p.m. every school day or were bundled into a sibling’s car as we waved goodbye, it’s a different story. Nevertheless, those brief moments of respite are savored. When he naps, eats, wrestles a toy or flash-points a butterfly, you sneak in a deep breath, and ponder the miracle of tiny bird dogs-to-be.

I can sleep when I’m dead.