“Dancing is moving to the music without stepping on anyone’s toes, pretty much the same as life. ~ Robert Brault

Combining two families into one home is a tricky feat until you find a system that works . . .and works well. It may be even more difficult when one family is your adult daughter’s and you still have her younger siblings at home.

The first few months are difficult — shower schedules, work schedules, bedtime for kids, meals, shopping, bills. Expectations. Ways and methods of doing things. There can be misunderstandings, hurt feelings, resentment, anger and then. . .

There is the laughter. Watching your kids spend time together with their nephew and their sister. Seeing how your adult daughter has grown as a mother herself. Wondering if you’re really her mother at all some days.

Those comical conversations as you and your daughter’s significant other dance around the proverbial elephant in the room. “We weren’t too noisy were we?” With the reassuring, “No, and if you were, I wouldn’t say a word.”

I will admit I’m looking forward to being in my new home in relative peace and quiet. . . some days not soon enough. At the same time, I’m learning to relish this time as we learn the rhythm of dancing in harmony as a family.