A few lines of “Landslide,” sincerely sung

This #thankyouthursday, I am grateful for a few lines of “Landslide,” sincerely sung.

To set the scene: A local brewery, outdoor seating, at dusk. On stage are three women, an acoustic guitar. Their harmonies are entrancing, befitting of their group name: River City Sirens.

One of the sirens is also a person I have relied on for many months—our regular babysitter, Rachel. My partner and I are there with our toddler, and she waves to him whenever he darts into her view. During intermission, she introduces us to her parents and sister.

It’s an idyllic evening, really. And. But. After this evening, we won’t see Rachel on a regular basis anymore, because our toddler is starting preschool.

I’m so grateful my toddler is starting preschool. He is ready. I am mostly ready.

Still, transitions can be tough, and this one is particularly bittersweet. I’ve had my son at home with me for two years. And Rachel makes it possible for me to also have a career; when she’s at our house with him, I can focus on my work and know all is well. I often hear them laughing together downstairs.

If you’ve ever had to seek out caregivers for young children, you will understand the significance of connecting with a person you can fully, truly trust. Rachel is that kind of person. During our interview, I realized I’d have to completely rearrange my work schedule in order for her to be able to care for our son part-time. I did so immediately.*

*Shout-out to my amazing job/company/CEO for giving me that ability.

But back to the brewery/concert/idyllic evening. Near the end of the second set, we decided to head home, and we told our son he could go up to the stage and get some band stickers before we left.

They were playing “Landslide,” and Rachel was singing.

Well, I’ve been afraid of changing
Cause I’ve built my life around you 
But time makes you bolder 
Children get older 
And I’m getting older, too

Rachel made direct eye contact with my son as she sang, and I could swear her voice cracked as she told him that “children get older,” but maybe that’s just my imagination.

I am sure my own throat was tight, that my eyes welled with tears.

Things are changing. We are all getting older. Those truths are nothing to be afraid of, I know. But they are easier to accept when accompanied by a few lines of “Landslide,” sincerely sung.

Love > fear,
Christina