It's a Bird...it's a what?!

In the car the other day, my son asked which super power I'd like.

I thought about that for a moment.

I don't think I'd like to fly as I'm afraid of heights.

I don't think I'd want to be super-strong. My phone would be ringing off the hook with 'friends' who would want me to move their pianos and sofabeds.

On the other hand, super-flexibility would be neat. I'd be very impressive in a Yoga class. And scratching that hard-to-reach spot between my shoulder blades would no longer be a problem!

But that's not the power I'd like.

I would like to read minds.

"Are you sure?" my husband asked, "Do you really want to know what people are thinking?"

"Oh, I'm pretty confident that I already know what most people are thinking," I replied. "I don't think I'd be surprised."

"Do you know who I'd be?" my daughter asked.

"Batman." I responded.

"That's right!" she sounded surprised. "How'd you know?"

I'd know that little piece of information because we had just searched all over the Mall for Batman pajamas. Found some super hero ones, but no Batman.

"Guess what I'm thinking now?" my son said.

"You're hungry. You want something to drink...not water. Soda. And you want to play video games when we get home. But not just any video games. The ones that you got from Jay on Sunday."

His jaw dropped. He whistled lowly.

"How did - wow Mom. Are you sure you're not a super hero?"

Don't be deceived though. Although I'm pretty pleased with my powers of observation and listening...I'm not always that good.

The other night I was working on about fourteen thousand different projects at once. Didn't even notice if my family was at home or not. In fact, if you'd asked me then what they were thinking...well, my mind was elsewhere. I was too wrapped up in my own stuff to pay attention.

Sadly, sometimes that kind of night can turn into a week...or longer. We can get so disconnected from each other that we almost have to start over and introduce ourselves.

"Hi. I'm Carrie. I'm the Mom and wife."

"Oh...yeah. I thought you looked familiar." my husband nodded. "I'm Steve. Husband and father." We shook hands. "Nice home we have here." I said, awkwardly trying to start a conversation.

"Have you met our dog?"

"We have a dog? When did that happen?"

Okay, so that might be a slight exaggeration, but I think you get the point.

My daughter just got her drivers permit. I think to myself, "When did she get to be this age?" Time is moving so fast! Before long she'll be on her own and everything!

Enjoy your time with your family. I realize that they can be some of the most difficult folks to deal with...on the other hand, they won't be around forever. Make the most of your moments together and listen to each other. Maybe you'll become a mind reader.

As for me, I'm now seriously considering time travel as a super power.