Swing Is in the Air

We all have little rituals to welcome the new seasons as they arrive.  Now that spring is in the air, in my family we look forward to the milder weather and sunshine – and the return of the swing.

My 2-year-old daughter and I commemorated the first real day of spring-time weather a few weeks ago with an unexpected stop at the park.  After a busy morning of errands we had planned to head straight home after lunch.  Despite the imminence of afternoon nap time, and the risk of having an overtired, cranky toddler on my hands, I took a risk and steered the car toward our neighborhood park.  I soon realized that my idea was not unique, as the park was teeming with windbreaker-adorned kids anxious to escape their confinement indoors.

It did not take long for my daughter to spot an open swing, and she raced toward the swing set screaming “swingin Mommy, swingin.”  The swings are her favorite part of the playground, and she’d be content to stay here all day.  Even though I knew my arm would ache after hundreds of pushes, today I shared her enthusiasm as I soaked up the wonderful breeze and fresh air.

She giggled with delight as she swung back and forth in the breeze, her big blue eyes peeking out from behind the yellowy green butterfly sunglasses covering much of her face.  I could push her all day just to hear the sound of her little girl laughter.  After dozens of pushes, she began to chant, “Momma swing too,” and I tried to explain that Momma was much too big to fit in the baby swing. 

Then I had an idea.  I scooped her up and headed for the “big kid” swings.  I nestled into the seat and placed my daughter on my lap; one arm around her waist, and the other holding the chain.  I told her to hold on as I walked my feet back and pushed off – and then, we began to swing.  I took in the sweet smell of baby shampoo as the breeze blew through my little girl’s hair.  We both began to laugh, and I relished this rare moment of pure joy.   

All too often, I’m in such a hurry to get work done, finish the laundry or get dinner started, that I miss these wonderful experiences with my child.  As I listen to the rhythm of the creaky swing, I’m grateful to the park for beckoning us here today.  I vow to appreciate the little moments like these that I’m blessed to have with her.  So the next time I feel overwhelmed by work and household chores, or toddler tantrums are ready to send me over the edge – I’m heading to the park to just swing.  Maybe I’ll see you there.

Stephanie McCarty, is a freelance writer and public relations consultant.  Stephanie worked in PR and media relations full-time for more than a decade, before starting her own writing and consulting career.  She grew up in Florida, where she earned her B.A. in English (Creative Writing) from The Florida State University.  Stephanie has lived in various parts of the country, including Washington DC, where she earned an M.A. in Political Management from The George Washington University.  While in DC, she worked as a press secretary on Capitol Hill, and in the public affairs departments of a national public relations agency, a large university, and a major corporation.  She has also served as spokesperson for two political campaigns. 

Stephanie says, "During my professional tenure, I have worked on political campaigns, in the halls of Congress, and in corporate PR – but nothing could have prepared me for the roller-coaster ride that is motherhood." 

Stephanie lives in Central Ohio with her husband and daughter, who is the joy of her life. She credits her little girl with inspiring her to find her true writing passion.

Stephanie's website, www.fumblingtowardmotherhood.com, is currently under construction. For more information, please contact her at stephanie@fumblingtowardmotherhood.com.