Sledding Shehecheyanu

Just before noon I took both boys and their friends, also brothers (how convienient!), sledding in South Mountain Reservation. It was great: sun was out, not too cold, the high winds of the past few days were gone, the snow was packed down firm, and there was one section already shaped into moguls. Although at first I was disappointed that had forgotten my camera, I quickly dismissed that thought as an opportunity to be present with the boys, fully centered on them and outlining the memory in my mind.

The giggles and runs and cries of “That was awesome!” lasted about 45 minutes, at which point I was getting a bit hungry myself so I didn’t push them to stay (although, of course, it took about 45 minutes just to get ready and out the door in the first place). We tumbled into the car, and as I exited the parking lot I asked the boys what prayer we should say since it was our first time sledding this year. Skater Dude knew, and he started singing the Shehecheyanu, and the other boys jumped in with a rousing round of it. I was proud, and then amused when Bulldog started in with Ma Oz Tzur (Rock of Ages) just after they finished.

Don’t wait for a holiday to say the Shehecheyanu. Give thanks. A lot. Out loud.