Once she's outgrown froggy, I think a lot about MacKenzie's future. Of course, this is in context of my own experiences, so I often think about what things I wish for her in her life. I have WAY more than three wishes, but we'll start with three for today :-)
Wish #1: To laugh hard & often. We haven't heard her laugh yet, but I can't wait to hear the sound. One of the cruelest realities of recovering from the c-section was that it hurt to laugh. Who wants to give that up?!? I wish for MacKenzie many friends each with a fabulous sense of humor. I hope she can laugh at herself. I hope she can make others laugh.
Wish #2: To run a road race. I know all of you non-runners are going to think that is nutty. But, hear me out: there is nothing in this world like the start of a big road race. You are surrounded by other runners. Runners are cool people. They love to run, they love other runners and they love the start of a race. No matter what the conditions, no matter how long or brutal the course, most will be smiling. When the gun goes off: all you can hear is the sound of pounding feet. I have run a lot of races and every single time, I get the chills when those shoes start hitting the pavement. Along the way, people hand you Gatorade or water. They cheer and smile, even if you are slow. If you are lucky, you'll have loved ones along the way waiting to cheer you on. Most importantly, the time between the start and finish, it's just you and the road. You can give it everything you have. There is nothing else to consider to think about. Of course, finally, there is the relief of the finish line. No matter how long the course, or how much you loved running, there is a bittersweet joy when you see the finish. Frequently at the end there will be good food...sometimes even a beer. Other runners sharing their stories of how the course treated them and how they treated the course. There is nothing like it. If she gets this wish, I hope to be there either running beside her or cheering her on!
Wish #3: The ability to suspend her disbelief. MacKenzie's dad & I laugh about this a lot. It is one of the things that makes us pretty different in life. I can/will/love to suspend my disbelief. He cannot/won't. We'll see where she lands.
I'm a big movie buff. I can watch even really bad movies if I'm in the theater. I love the experience. The smell of popcorn, the ticket stub, the sticky floors, and the previews. Love it. I also love the movies themselves. Even when they are predictable. I "flip off" the switch that makes me start guessing the end or predicting what might happen. I suspend my disbelief. It's so much fun. In a world that can be so brutal and often predictably so. What could be better than just delving into someone else's fantasy for a couple of hours. My husband isn't so into suspending his disbelief. He frequently groans at movies for their predictable outcomes. There is no doubt that he is much more logical and probably smarter. But, it's so much more fun to just let yourself enjoy. I wish this for her!
More wishes to come...what do you wish for your children?
That was so nice Tansley! You are so right...There are way more than three wishes I want for my girls! My number one wish is that they grow up feeling and knowing they are loved and never alone. Also I will do everything in my power to make sure they have tons of self-confidence and high self-esteem! Clearly that was two wishes, but they are equally important!
ReplyDeleteI am so excited you started a blog. I could go on and on about my wishes for the kids, I hope they continue to feel loved throughout their life, I hope that whatever they choose to do that they are happy, and I wish Jonathan to be a good daddy, and Lilah to be a good mommy.
ReplyDeleteTansley it is funny you say that about your daughter running a race. Jody and I talk about that here and there, he loves to run, and I hate it however I still do it! He pushes Lilly in the jogging stroller as he is a much stronger runner that me!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Carrie I love your blog.... I cannot wait to read more.