Implying she might not answer. Well, here goes nothing…“Why do you need a modern muse of parenting? Parenting is pretty much the same as it’s always been. You feed, clothe, and protect your child while teaching them right from wrong. That doesn’t change.”
“Ah. But modern times have made it more of a challenge. Have you heard the phrase, ‘It takes a village to raise a child’?”
“Yes.”
Gaia sighed. “Well, the village is a thing of the past. People are increasingly cut off from each other. Parents face more distractions and financial pressures than ever before. Not to mention the internal pressure they put on themselves to raise a child who excels in some way, making it seem as if they’re superparents. Sometimes, it’s a way to cover up the fact that they’re barely parents at all.”
“So this isn’t just about kids being raised by kids who don’t know the first thing about parenting because they never had a good example themselves?”
“Oh, it definitely is. But it’s not only that. Bad parenting crosses all economic and cultural lines. You know the difference, and I don’t think you’ll be shy about telling a parent to back off or step up when necessary.”
Gabriella laughed. “Not at all. You have no idea how many times I’ve wanted to brain some obnoxious mother or oblivious father in public.”
Gaia grinned. “I’m delighted. It seems as if you’re prepared for it.”
Gabriella shrugged. “Well, I’d rather give someone a pat on the back for good parenting, but I’m looking forward to helping the next generation however I can.”
“You can absolutely give a parent praise when it’s deserved. There isn’t enough of that either.”
She smiled. “Okay then. Between Misty telling me how to use my new powers and your pep talk, I think I’m ready. When do I start?”
“Ah, well, there’s another reason I wanted to talk with you.”
“Oh?”
“Yes.” Mother Nature paced in front of Gabriella while she spoke. “I know you’ve been happily married for over thirty years, correct?”
“Thirty-six wonderful years.”
Mother Nature smiled and halted her pacing, turning to Gabriella. “How? How did you do that?”
“Excuse me?”
“I believe you heard me. I’m asking how you accomplished thirty-six years of contented togetherness.”
“Yes, I heard you. I’m—I’m just not surehowAntonio and I have stayed together and been happy for all these years. We just…have.”
Mother Nature cocked her head and put her hands on her hips, as if waiting for the magic secret to be spilled.
Gabriella let out a long breath and scratched her head. “I really don’t know how. It just happened naturally. We like each other. We’re best friends. I can’t imagine trying to cope, never mind enjoy life, without him. We rely on each other. We trust each other. We understand each other. Does that help?”
Gaia placed her clasped hands behind her back, then started pacing again. “I…I think so. You’re saying you were friends first? And still are?”
Gabriella smiled. “Yes. Best friends.”
“This friendship thing has me a bit confused. I don’t know who or what to believe. I see couples trusting each other and being betrayed. I see friends enjoying each other’s company, then having a fight and walking away, never to return. I just don’t know how to avoid the things that ruin a relationship. I’m…I’m afraid I’ll do something to ruin the one I have, which is just beginning.”
“With Aaron?” Gabriella guessed.
Gaia nodded, snapped her fingers, producing a bench, then sat down and stared off into the distance.
Gabriella cleared her throat. “Well, you have maturity on your side.”
Gaia burst out laughing. “Yes, you could say that.”
Gabriella chuckled too. “I find that if Antonio and I disagree, we truly try to work things out. We don’t stomp off like children. It helps sometimes to get a little distance from each other, but you should say that’s what you need and assure your partner you’ll be back to discuss it later. Good relationships happen when people try to give each other what they need.”
“So you’re saying if we have a fight, we shouldn’t walk away, but we should give each other space.”
