Unless I’m traveling for work, it’s my responsibility to get the kids ready in the mornings. Before we moved, I promised Isabelle I’d drive her to school in the mornings this year rather than having her take the bus. Because I’m the one driving, school mornings became hectic once the year began.
But everything changed when I broke my ankle six weeks ago. Now, mornings involve my husband bringing me breakfast in bed before he leaves for work and hobbling around on crutches in an effort to get myself ready for the day (whatever that means).
For the past couple of weeks, I’ve tried to incentivize Isabelle to getting ready quicker in the mornings so that her grandparents have an easier time getting out in the mornings. If Isabelle is in my room, ready to get her hair done by 7:10 a.m., then she has the chance to earn iPad time. If she makes it back to my room with breakfast eaten and her teeth brushed by 8:00 a.m., then she earns a half hour of iPad time. She has earned iPad time nearly every day since I started this incentive program. Typically, Isabelle divides her time between JI Studio, IXL Math, and Rivet.
This morning, Isabelle didn’t earn iPad time since she it took her awhile to get out of bed and eat breakfast. However, there was still time to read. I invited her to crawl into bed with me and bring an actual book, rather than read from the Rivet app. After her teeth were brushed, she brought Andy Shane and the Know-It-All into my room. We were short on time, but for 20 blissful minutes, I followed along as she read a couple of chapters aloud to me.
By 8:35 a.m., I knew we had to finish since I like to make sure she’s at school when the doors open. I turned to her and said, “Do you know what the only good part of this ankle injury is?”
“What?” she asked.
“I can’t rush around in the mornings since I’m on crutches. Your grandparents are the ones rushing around. And while I wish it were me who was doing everything, there is something nice about getting to spend quiet time with you in the mornings before you leave for school.”
Isabelle smiled. I could tell she wasn’t sure what to say so I continued.
“That’s called a silver lining. I wish I wasn’t hurt, but if I’m going to be, I’m thankful for the extra time to spend with just you before you leave for school every morning.” Then I wrapped my arms around her, planted a kiss on top of her curls, and said, “Have a great day at school. I love you.”
Isabelle squeezed back and replied, “I love you too.”
Raising Literate Humans 
There is always a bright side. Glad you keep reaching to find it. It sounds like you have some wonderful support that has stepped in to help.
I have been extremely lucky to have help. I don’t think my recovery would be on-track if I didn’t have this level of help!
Silver linings are everywhere, we just have to keep our hearts and eyes open to them! So glad you found one that morning and shared it with us!
I try to look for the silver linings on a daily basis. It’s been hard. But when I thought about it yesterday, I realized this is really special.
Your teaser got me, and I’m proud of you for finding a silver lining. In the scheme of silver linings, spending quality time with your daughter is a pretty sparkly one.
Last night, I said to Isabelle, “I really enjoyed reading with you this morning.” Do you know what she said back to me? “I enjoyed it to, Mommy.” That was huge. (We read together again this morning!)
When unexpected, unfortunate things happen, it’s difficult to find the positive. I’m so glad you did! Wishing you a speedy recovery.
Thank you! My goal is to be walking with a cane in the next couple of weeks.
That certainly IS a bright side. I bet you have gained so many insights on how a physical disability could impact your daily life as well. It also sounds like you have had some fantastic support.
I love how you found the silvery lining in a morning that was stressed on multiple levels. Your journey has been a reminder to me to slow down and watch my step! Hoping you are soon up and mobile.
20 minutes of snuggles and reading is one heck of a great silver lining – and teaching Isabelle about silver linings is pretty awesome, too.
That was s what we call a silver lining. I need to look for a few myself. Thanks for the inspiration.
That is one sweet silver lining. Extra time is always a bonus. Glad you got in an extra squeeze and a loving exchange. A good way for both of you to start off your day.