Though would it kill him to tidy up his room without having to be asked every time? But like I said, still well pleased, it’s just I'd be slightly MORE pleased if he’d do this one thing -also the Lord
Part of what makes it incredible, too, is that you've seen them grow and evolve, from a small unspeaking lizard-creature to something powerful and surprising. That's what I find so amazing about children. We know, as parents, how it's going to turn out, more or less: they're going to learn to walk, they're going to learn to talk, they're going to make friends, acquire skills, learn to read and write, etc, etc. But when it actually starts to happen--when they actually start putting together sentences to convey information or making JOKES, for crissakes--it's absolutely mind-blowing. Like, I just cannot believe my daughter can now talk to me, even though, 'of course' I knew that she would learn how. It's a miracle, made all the more miraculous by how ordinary it is.
What a lovely essay! You’re reminding me of a story the rabbis told: Shmuel was getting old, and he was thinking about what he would say when he faced God. “I am not worried that God will ask why I wasn’t Abraham, because I am not smart like Abraham. I am not worried that God will ask why I wasn’t Moses, because I am not a gifted leader like Moses. I am worried that he will ask, ‘Why weren’t you Shmuel?’”
Our job as parents is to help--and allow--our kids to become themselves. Of course you’re proud! Well done! (Especially that bit about the cookies for the hospice.)
Same with those in my charge. They seem to be able to take on all kinds of things but they don't mind living in their own little cave. I usually pick up with them to make the point, but the point never seems to stick. Then they do something sweet or smart and I just give up...and hug the bunny, too.
Your 14-year-old looks just like my 14-year-old except that mine’s a blond and he’d be holding a grey tabby rather than a rabbit. But apart from that - twins!!
Part of what makes it incredible, too, is that you've seen them grow and evolve, from a small unspeaking lizard-creature to something powerful and surprising. That's what I find so amazing about children. We know, as parents, how it's going to turn out, more or less: they're going to learn to walk, they're going to learn to talk, they're going to make friends, acquire skills, learn to read and write, etc, etc. But when it actually starts to happen--when they actually start putting together sentences to convey information or making JOKES, for crissakes--it's absolutely mind-blowing. Like, I just cannot believe my daughter can now talk to me, even though, 'of course' I knew that she would learn how. It's a miracle, made all the more miraculous by how ordinary it is.
Pride is just fine in this case. Wallow in it!
What a lovely essay! You’re reminding me of a story the rabbis told: Shmuel was getting old, and he was thinking about what he would say when he faced God. “I am not worried that God will ask why I wasn’t Abraham, because I am not smart like Abraham. I am not worried that God will ask why I wasn’t Moses, because I am not a gifted leader like Moses. I am worried that he will ask, ‘Why weren’t you Shmuel?’”
Our job as parents is to help--and allow--our kids to become themselves. Of course you’re proud! Well done! (Especially that bit about the cookies for the hospice.)
Same with those in my charge. They seem to be able to take on all kinds of things but they don't mind living in their own little cave. I usually pick up with them to make the point, but the point never seems to stick. Then they do something sweet or smart and I just give up...and hug the bunny, too.
This pride reminds me very much of what C. S. Lewis talked about charity, the fourth of the four loves (agape in Greek). Beautiful.
Though those ketchup packets are hilarious.
in whomst.
Your 14-year-old looks just like my 14-year-old except that mine’s a blond and he’d be holding a grey tabby rather than a rabbit. But apart from that - twins!!