Written retrospectively for the 2023 archive.

Turning forty gave me a reason to think about what I hope my kids remember about home. When I reread that entry, I’m drawn to the ordinary examples. Having time to hear an explanation. Being able to laugh together. Being easy to find when something feels wrong.

It’s reassuring that most of those things fit into the day I already have. I can sit down for a few minutes when a child starts talking. I can ask another question when I’m tempted to jump straight to an answer. Those are things I get to practice well past forty.