This little boy has been learning to stand. I've been amazed at his persistence. The day he finally figured out that he could balance on his two little feet without falling, and that it wasn't scary, he practiced all day. Even when he'd inevitably topple over, he would get right back up and try again. And he never cried. He showed signs of frustration, but that didn't keep him from continuing to try. I hope I'm that determined. To do my job well. To be a good mother. There are so many distractions that discourage us. Little foibles and faults. I don't know that my encouragement helped my little boy. I have a feeling he'd have been as determined regardless of whether or not I was even in the room. All the same, it made me want to cheer on others better rather than condemn them for their missteps. I don't want to hold that against anyone. Why is it so easy to be critical? We're all learning. I knew that parenting would change my nature, hopefully for the better, but I didn't fully grasp how being a mother would completely alter the way I view the world and the people in it.
"What the world needs now . . ." (this song always reminds me of Ms. Dalrymple's English class . . . )
That is flat-out one of the best pictures of a nearly-toddler that I have ever seen.
ReplyDeleteMs. Dalrymple, haven't thought about those days in a long time. So true, being a parent totally changes your perspective on life.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Venom. It's my favorite of him, hands down. Kaylee, I loved that class! How's your little family doing?
ReplyDeleteLook at your handsome boy! How are you guys doing?
ReplyDeleteInspiring thoughts! He's getting big! Hope all goes well with the new job :)
ReplyDeleteWow, I remember those 'ol days... I think of Ms. Dalrymple's class with fondness too--with all you great gals. So fun to hear what's going on in your life, Jenn. You are such a wonderful person.
ReplyDeleteSo I didn't know you live in CA! Anywhere close to LA? We are about an hour north.
Love ya,
Melanie (Ellingson) Hopkins