Happy Mother's Day

I woke up all alone in my house yesterday after my niece, her s.o. and their almost 2 year old daughter left.  They had spent a week here, and love them as I do, it was hard for me to share nicely.  I was reminded of a story my Guru, Baba Muktananda, used to tell.
Once upon a time there was a couple, living in India.  They were very happy together, and then the newly widowed mother of the wife came to live with them.  She talked a lot, and their peaceful quiet existence was changed.  The husband went to see his Guru.
"What can I do?  My mother in law talks all the time and never gives us a moment's peace!"
"Get a cat," was the Guru's response.  And so, he did.

A week later he came to see the Guru.  "The cat meows all the time and rubs against us, almost tripping my mother in law."
The Guru responded, "Get a dog."  And so, he did.

A week later he came to see the Guru in desperation.  "The dog barks all day and chases the cat, who runs all over the house to escape.  My house is like a madhouse!"

The Guru responded, "Get rid of the animals."  And so, he did.  (In the story as Baba told it, more animals came, a goat, a pig etc, but I get tired of all the typing, and you'll get the idea....)

The next time he came to see the Guru, he said, "It is so peaceful at my house now, just my wife, my mother in law and me."

And that's how I am feeling.  A toddler brings a level of energy that I am not used to any more, a constancy of demand, a need to be taken care of, fed, changed and monitored for things like sitting on the dogs, touching the woodstove, and anything else that threatens her safety and my sanity.  Now my house is quiet again, and I can really relish and appreciate it while it lasts.