What is it about kids and puzzles? They seem made for each other. My kids have always loved taking the box of pieces and ending up with a picture.
I think puzzles are a good analogy for life. You get a box of pieces that are all jumbled up and don't make much sense, but with a little time and effort, things start to come together.
And then, at some point, you have a beautiful picture and you can see that each piece had a place and a meaning.
I don't believe that everything happens for a reason. Having a handicapped child cured me of that. My Superman did not deserve to have feet that don't do all the things he wants them to do, and I do not believe that he was given this burden to better his life or to better the lives of others. Of COURSE his life would be better without his handicap, and inflicting pain and discomfort on an innocent child in order to better the lives of others seems very cruel. The God I believe in does not do that.
However, I do think that Superman (and we, as his parents) have the power to make something very good come out of this challenge. Superman has inspired many people with his positive attitude and his cheery disposition, and I am sure he will continue to inspire others throughout his life. He does not let his feet stop him from attempting anything -- and accomplishing many things. He inspires me to attempt the impossible in my own life.
And this, I think, is how Superman is taking the jumbled box of mismatched pieces that were given to him by fate and circumstance, and turning it into an unexpectedly beautiful picture.
It's true... I lost my sewing mojo. Fall happened, back-to-school happened, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas happened. There have been so many things to do! I went several weeks without even stepping into my sewing room. I haven't stocked anything new in my shop in a couple of months. Just wasn't "feeling it"...
And then.
Then Radar came home from school and told me about a friend in his class who does not have any warm pajamas to wear to school for the first-grade "Polar Express" party. And Radar asked me to "Please make him some fleece jammies like I have."
Wow.
I was so proud of my boy for thinking of this friend and wanting to help. I just couldn't let either of them down. So I got re-acquainted with my machines and cranked out something that I hope will be perfect.
Now that's what I call a slump-buster.
We had a very unusual pre-Christmas snowstorm here, with about two feet of the white stuff! Of course The Bossman and I took the kids outside to play. As I was helping my three-year-old Superman down the hill, I urged him to walk in the footsteps left behind by his older brother and sister, for easier footing.
Looking up at me, he shook his head and stated firmly, "I want to make my OWN footprints." And that really got me thinking. My son might follow his older siblings' lead in some areas of his life, but he is indeed his own person and will do things in his own way, blazing his own trail. And that is a wonderful thing.
When I am walking with my two-year-old, we don't get anywhere fast.
And I am the type of person who is always rushing from one thing to the next, both literally and figuratively. So there is something very therapeutic about walking with my little guy. I am forced to just slow down, and appreciate the fact that in that moment, I'm walking hand-in-hand with a small boy who will someday, probably much sooner than I realize, be taller than me.
On the trail where we took our lovely hike this weekend, there is a point where the trail ends and the only way to continue your hike is to cross over a small creek. This crossing is achieved by stepping from stone to stone (and also with the help of some nice round cement blocks kindly placed there by the Parks Service).
My husband carried our two-year-old across the rocks, but when it came to the five-and-seven-year-olds, we knew we should let them do it themselves. I must admit to feeling some trepidation as they picked their way across the stones, with only an occasional helping hand from us. But I knew better than to show my concern.
Because you see, that is how our children learn confidence. As parents, our job is to teach them as much as we can. (Find the big, flat, stable rocks! Make sure one foot is solid before picking up the other!) But when the time comes, our job is also to ... let go. Our job is to show them that we believe in them. And then to trust that we have taught them well and they can do it themselves.
13 years ago, mere babes at the age of 23, we were fresh out of college with not a clue what life was all about.
13 years later, look at all we've built together: a home, careers, plans and perspective. And three kids who do cute things like making earnest misspellings on heartfelt greeting cards.
"Anniversary" is hard to spell, and marriage can be hard work. Thanks for making it easy. I love you, B! Thanks for being my best friend.
