Sara, Fall 2011
The Pediatricians tell us over and over that kids change. From year to year, they can become entirely different people. The Now is simply that…now. But we can’t see it. We’re parents, slogging through the tantrums and tutors and homework. We can’t see up and over next week, let alone next year. We hear the words and we want to feel it, but we don’t. Nose to the grindstone, enjoy the good days, cherish their sweet-smelling noggins as they sleep because it’s the minute you’re not knee-deep in parenting them. There are arcanely delicious moments with them, surrounded by piles of dishes and laundry. The girls got into some styrofoam last weekend. After mucho vacuuming, I still feel like I’m living in a snowstorm. And yet, the only thing I can remember from yesterday is the sound of them giggling at bedtime.
Sara, Fall 2012
In a blink, another year has passed, and I’m staring at an entirely new child. As my good friend Amie said, “Even her eyes look different”. Don’t they, though? It’s as if she finally woke up from some kind of newborn angst, and started fully participating in her own story. She’s inhabiting her days in a way I’ve never witnessed before. She is alone in her skin now, and I am alone in mine. The only thing resembling 2011 around here is the housework, and her inheritance of her Daddy’s adorable ears. This holiday season, I send you my wishes for the graciousness of time to wash down upon you as well. In today’s world, we rarely afford ourselves the time to just “be”. We assume nothing comes from stillness, but I’m learning nothing could be further from the truth. Sometimes in stillness, answers bubble to the surface; sometimes just the act of being still brings much-needed growth. Letting the world pass us by while waiting for Sara to blossom was the best decision we’ve made as parents. Thank you for witnessing this journey with me. Thank you for encouraging me to make this decision. In case you were wondering…you were right. Thank you, thank you.
The original “The Gift Of A Year” can be read here.
6 responses to “The Gift Of A Year, Continued”
The original “The Gift of a Year” is one of my all time favorites…makes me cry everytime I read it. Yes, I’ve read it more than once. Love the continuation story.
I had to read “The Gift of a Year” again. It was just as magical this time around. Love that this gift is opening for you this Christmas. I love most of all that Sara has found comfort in her own skin. Reading this post brought these lyrics to mind: God rest ye merry gentleman let nothing you dismay…..oh tidings of comfort and joy.”
I keep hearing the book of Matthew, “Come unto me, all who are weary, and I will give you rest.” I sung it as a song in high school church choir, and I hum it in my head all the time.
Thanks for the compliments! The Gift Of A Year flowed out of me, and when I read it, I was shocked I wrote it. I agreed with every syllable, but I’m rarely so cogent! So thanks! It’s in my Top 5 too.
I feel blessed for being able to watch Sara grow and discover life from when she was 3 months to now. And I love her so much for being such a great spirit, who has enlighten me in my journey. And you, my friend, you are just this awesome mom, friend, human being. Sara is very lucky to have you!
“Sometimes in stillness, answers bubble to the surface; sometimes just the act of being still brings much-needed growth. Letting the world pass us by while waiting for Sara to blossom was the best decision we’ve made as parents.”
Sometimes your words just reach out of the computer and move me deeply. No truer words have ever been written. I, too, am seeing the gift of a year in my precious Avery. “Even her eyes are different.” Oh ,Lori , isn’t it true? Isn’t it beautiful? Isn’t it amazing what a little confidence and self-assurance can do? I am so happy for Sara and for her amazing mother. Love you.