The Gift of an Ordinary Day

A Mother's Memoir

By: Katrina Kenison

Narrated by: Katrina Kenison

The Gift of an Ordinary Day is an intimate memoir of a family in transition, with boys becoming teenagers, careers ending and new ones opening up, and an attempt to find a deeper sense of place—and a slower pace—in a small New England town.

This is a story of mid-life longings and discoveries, of lessons learned in the search for home and a new sense of purpose, and the bittersweet intensity of life with teenagers—holding on, letting go.

Poised on the threshold between family life as she's always known it and her older son's departure for college, Kenison is surprised to find that the times she treasures most are the ordinary, unremarkable moments of everyday life, the very moments that she once took for granted, or rushed right through without noticing at all.

The relationships, hopes, and dreams that Kenison illuminates will touch women's hearts, and her words will inspire mothers everywhere as they try to make peace with the inevitable changes in store.©2009 Katrina Kenison; (P)2009 Hachette

Critic reviews

This eloquent book is ...about longing and fulfillment , taking stock of failures and achievements, a search for the elusive "something more" of one's existence-and a reminder that life's seemingly mundane moments are often where we find beauty, grace and transformation.—Family Circle Magazine

"Kenison writes so beautifully and clearly about what is most important in family life."—Jane Hamilton, author of A Map of the World and Laura Rider's Masterpiece

An honest, graceful book that every parent will appreciate. In the thick of challenging changes, emotional troughs, and tender realizations the reader will find comfort and guidance. Here is a fine writer, a dedicated mother, and a spiritual seeker speaking intimately to parents in search of wisdom."—Thomas Moore, author of Care of the Soul and Writing in the Sand

How I admire this mid-life mom, who writes with strong contemplative spirit and a heart wide open to change. Her memoir is a courageous and generous contribution to deepening American family life.—Nancy Mellon, author of Body Eloquence

"The Gift of an Ordinary Day is much more than a memoir of motherhood; it is an inspired and inspiring meditation on midlife. What Katrina Kenison gives mothers-her gift-is the promise of reinventing ourselves as our kids grow up and we grow older, and the assurance of an invitingly abundant landscape on the far side of parenthood."—Lisa Garrigues, author of Writing Motherhood

Impressive insights

Beautifully written insights into motherhood. I will breathe in the ordinary days with ease after taking in this book. It is written by a mother who is telling us all to pay attention so we will not miss our children's daily lives. It is the little things that truly matter when we look back on our lives with them. Great book. I would recommend it to all mothers.

Life's moments.

Thank you for reminding how simple ordinary events are precious to our existence! Much appreciation!

Such a peaceful soulful book

The authors warm steady voice as she reads the beautiful story of her family was like a balm. The story is not at all preachy as she fully shares the good days and the bad, her parenting failures and triumphs. I wanted it to go in and on.

Beautiful reflections and lessons

I really enjoyed this book. I feel like a dear friend, watching on the side as this family grows, moves, changes and matures.
I heartily recommend the audible version.

Love this book!

I am so glad that I picked this book when I was facing challenges with my teenage child. I cried as I listen to chapter 9 because it was as Mrs. Kenison was narrating my current story. It was so refreshing to hear that I was not the only person who was facing the struggles of parenting but most of all the struggles of those teenage years.

I love that the author narrated the book, because I can listen to her for hours. Her voice, tone, pitch are just on point.

Thank you so much to Ms. Kenison for writing this book!