Amanda Lamb: Symphony of words

Sometimes I catch myself in a moment where all the stars in the universe are properly aligned.

By this, I mean my daughters are talking to me. I don’t mean they are asking me what’s for dinner, asking me to get an article of clothing dry cleaned, or telling me what they want for Christmas. I mean really talking.

In our chaotic lives full of work, school, and extracurricular activities, communication seems to be reserved for necessities like meals, logistics of carpooling and pending school projects. But every once in a while these magical moments present themselves when I gladly sit and listen to them banter about nothing.

“So, Mom, for real, listen to this, so guess what happened at school today?” my youngest one starts as we sit around a messy dinner table having just finished our meal.

But instead of jumping up to do the dishes so I can get on to my 100-plus item to-do list, I stay.

It’s not really about what they say as much as it is about the rhythm of their voices, like a symphony, sharing anecdotes, laughing at each other’s comments, allowing me to chime in with questions or comments of my own. It’s about us engaging in a conversation that is simply about our everyday lives.

“So then what did you do?” my older daughter asks her sister, sounding genuinely interested in her response for a change.

I turn my head from one to the other, listening to them lobby their words like a tennis ball back and forth, afraid to move as I might miss something or break the spell.

I picture this moment being replayed dozens of times over the next few decades, from girls to young ladies to women. And I think to myself, I will never tire of hearing their voices …