love letter to the gift from God
“Thaaaaa-t little drooler has taught us so much!” Thalia flips through a photo album.
Nią watches robins, who feather a nest in the burning bush. “Like — how NOT to be dissuaded by a pushy world.”
“Passion, pluck, persistence… perseverance,” a light dances in the dark of Calliope’s pupils, “He continues to show us how.”
To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
A funny story about me, the kid, and social media:
I’ve Fallen for a Japanese Fisherman
Happy Mothers Day Gail!
A few things your post (and the linked fisherman post) had bubble up for me:
1. Resistance of my true self against pressures. Wow this is something I struggle with especially as my “self” evolves and changes. But I love the ideas that:
a) Strength is required for kindness and kindness is an expression of strength.
(I have found and refound this over time with relation to work and career including recently.)
If I’m tempted to be harsh, mean or competitive for winnings sake -- maybe I can dig more.
b) Openness to ideas does not mean openness to expectations.
I loved being a chameleon and trying to predict and show up how others wanted me to.
Especially on Mothers Day -- don’t we all want our parents to be proud?
And now as a parent, do my boys understand that what would make me most proud is if they find a way to live their life in their own way?
2. Your Kenji story reminds me of a conversation with a cousin who is about 8-10 years younger than me. So she had internet in middle school whereas I walked to the computer lab on campus.
We discussed online dating.
My view was the internet is full of BS, posturing, facades, phonies and dangerous folks. How could someone feel safe dating online.
Her view -- which I see a lot in how you describe Kenji -- was that online profiles and dating apps are honest and help clear the clutter. She said she’d never go on a date or approach others at a bar or whatever. She wouldn’t feel safe if approached F2F.
Anyway -- for whatever reason a loving post on parenting and fishing really sparked some awesome Sunday thoughts for me -- thanks for that!
Happy Mother’s Day, Gail!
Both today’s 3MM, and the older share about Kenji, were superb. Not surprisingly, yet delightfully.