Big Order of Chaos

Today I got back from a very restful five days at the beach in the Outer Banks. For the last several years, we have rented the same home in Southern Shores. This week, though, we were down there two weeks earlier than normal, which lends to an entirely different crowd, much to us being there in an entirely different time.

Sitting on the beach on Wednesday morning, my mom pointed out to me a family from the house next to us with six kids. Four boys in the middle and an oldest and youngest girl. All of them looked alike, and there couldn't've been more than 2 years between any child above or below. As you watched them, it was almost in amazement, because I never thought I would want a family quite that large, because it would be so disorderly; more children than adults would outnumber you and take things over. These two parents had things more under control than friends I have with two children. Now don't get me wrong, these kids were playing in the ocean, having a blast, and there was definite competition for mom and dad's attention, but it was just so orderly.

Then, as you are taking it all in, you notice dad playing in the water with the kids, and what appears to be the oldest, or second oldest boy, wearing a life vest and clutching his dad's hand. All the other five kids, including the baby, who is no more than 1.5 are dodging in and out of the water, with the exception of this boy. It doesn't take too much observation from our special ed eyes in my family to come to the realization that he is a child with autism.

Over the course of the next few days, we would often watch this family cause these kids were so darn cute. They did what appeared to be their holiday photo on the beach walkway from the house all dressed in Polo (navy tops and khakis for the boys and navy dresses for the girls) and it was a 20 minute comedy to watch these parents get 6 children in position, smiling, and staying, all at the same time. But, again, it was orderly chaos if there ever has been such.

On my drive home today, I had a lot to think about, but I was thinking about why this family captured us so much. I cannot speak for my mom and dad or my aunt and uncle, although I suspect it has something to do with commandeering a certain amount of respect for these young parents along with a great desire from both to have grandchildren. I can speak for myself. I watched longingly because there is such happiness when people love what they are doing; and this family loved what they were doing with their big family.

I never thought I wanted a big family, and maybe I still don't. But, for now, I can keep those images that big can be orderly.