For those who have been with Sarah for many years, you probably remember how important her snail shorts have been. When she was around two or 3, she was given some Zutano snail print pants, size 12-18 month. (She has always been small for her age). She liked them but in a normal way. When Amy was then the age to wear the same pants that Sarah had outgrown (or so we thought), Sarah became passionately obsessed with them and wore them almost exclusively. I repaired holes. She wore them with holes. She wore them into shreds. I found shorts that were also for babies but they fit because elastic is wonderful. I found two pairs. One has disappeared and the other she still wears even though they are faded and the elastic is shot. A few years ago we found snail fabric that was entirely different but somehow was enough to fill that passionate love of Sarah’s. And then it wasn’t. Carl had leggings made by having a company print a copy of the beloved snail pattern. Those were great, but not always quite it. She would still sometimes ask for the original pair. Over the years I have searched in vain for more of the original pattern, which was discontinued many years ago. A couple of days ago I searched again. On a whim I checked Ebay and there they were! THE originals!! For $3!! I promptly ordered them. I also found a smaller pair of shorts and ordered them too as a backup. The new pants arrived today and she was thrilled. They are a bit tight and look like shorts, but they do fit. This is amazing!
I am writing later in the day than usual because this morning we were waking up at Swarthmore College, where Carl and I graduated just last year! Actually, twenty years ago, but really, what is 19 years?! Anyway, we got up early so we could make it home in time for the annual neighborhood block party that happens on our street and is absolutely not to be missed. We did make it perfectly in time. A mostly good time was had by all, except Amy had some big dreams of balloon creations that were unattainable, much to her disappointment.
Overall the reunion went well, but was not without its challenges, mainly for Sarah and myself. The girls did beautifully with all of the time in the car and with making all of our stops short. The tricky parts were to be expected. Sarah always wants to stay up late when we come to such events. Always. She was up until 11:30 Friday night. I was grumpy about it because it meant following as she explored hallways and stairs. It probably would have been ok not to follow but I didn’t want to risk her leaving the building and getting locked out without our knowledge. I also knew she didn’t want me with her and I hoped the annoyance of my presence would hasten bedtime. It didn’t. The next day she woke early but was predictably tired and not wanting to get dressed and moving for certain things. Those were not my finest moment of parenting, but, really, we did well if you consider the magnitude of our emotional range with each other. We all had a wonderful time at the reunion carnival that had a bouncy house. Saturday night we all stayed up late on purpose because we knew it was our last time to see people. Also, just as we were calling it a night, we heard “Like a Prayer” so we ran back to dance. Then the fire honker sounded, so Carl pretended to go running, much to the girls’ delight. For those who don’t know, he used to be a volunteer firefighter while we were in college.
It was wonderful being back on our beautiful campus. Swarthmore is an arboretum so all of the plants are labeled, as it should be! We were finally in a different dorm than we had been for all other reunions. It was wonderful seeing friends and classmates. It was even oddly enjoyable to feel uncomfortable sense memories and let them go.
One moment of note lasted maybe an hour or 90 minutes. While I drove today, Amy made simple word searches for Sarah and drew pictures for Sarah to color and gave her math problems, helping or instructing as needed. Absolutely amazing. Also of note, on our drive today we played a game where we each would say a word that began with each letter of the alphabet, no repetition allowed. Sarah participated the whole time and surprised us with her word choices.
We also played a card game at the reunion and Amy and Sarah were a team, conferring in adorable whispers, mostly led my Amy.
May you walk in beautiful places and find your dream pants!
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