***
My second grade report card: "Nancy is very smart, but she rushes through her work and doesn't always take her time."
Owen's parent-teacher conference: "Owen is a smart boy, but he rushes so he can get back to playing blocks. He doesn't take his time."
***
1988: My racing suit clung to my skin as I slumped in the backseat. I crushed the red ribbon into a ball. Third place. My best butterfly stroke had not been enough. My dad glanced at me through the rear-view mirror, a thin smile spreading across his face. He liked that I was angry. I would use it the next time I stepped on the starting block.
2010: Owen hunched in his booster seat, his face flushed from playing T-ball. He mumbled to himself, "I didn't get the game ball. Next time I will try harder." I smiled. I recognized that hunger.
***
We are alike.
We love people and books and attention.
We dip in our toes instead of doing cannonballs.
We notice when people need love.
We chat up the baristas at Starbucks.
And yet...he is not me.
He's meticulous.
He takes direction and advice.
He is spatially gifted.
Today, he is five years old. He's a geode. Each day, I view more of his precious, secret light. I discover more of what's inside.
Every glimpse takes my breath away.
24 comments:
I can't believe our babies are five. Sniff, sniff.
Happy Birthday Owen!
Happy Birthday to your Owen.
Happy birthday to your sweet boy. xo
Beautiful. What a great little guy. Happy birthday, Owen!
Way to Go Owen.... Happy Birthday February Boy :-)
Lovely metaphor! Happy Birthday Owen!
Happy birthday to him! My gosh, you two do look alike :-)
The apple did not fall far from the tree, Mama.
Happy birthday to a precious boy.
This made me smile.
Happy Birthday Owen.
Happy Birth Day Nancy.
xoxoxo
Love the comparison pictures! Happy birthday to your little geode. What a wonderful metaphor.
Be still my heart....I love how you are alike and different. I love the pictures of the two of you smiling. This just made my day a little brighter. Happy Birthday Owen (and Owen's Mom!)
What a beautiful post. happy birthday!!
Oh Happy Birthday to your Owen:)
PS I had that same haircut!!
This was so lovely, Nancy.
I feel the same way about Sage: She is me, yet she is not me.
Happy birthday to your little big guy!
Oh, poo, a day late. Happy Belated birthday sweet Owen!!
They are amazing creatures, aren't they? I adore that you notice every lovely detail. I'm taking notes.
We can hold hands when kindergarten arrives. Sob.
Happy Birthday Owen!!! I hope it's a fantastic day for you.
Love the comparisons and am more than impressed you not only saved things from your childhood but could actually find them ;-)
But what I was most impressed by.... "We notice when people need love." That's awesome.
High Five to you both. xo jj
I love all the sameness and all the unique differentness all rolled up in one sweet little boy.
Happy Birthday Owen!
(a little late...I hope it was a great day)
this reminds me (selfishly) of what i wrote the other day about my girls....worrying about how they will be when they are older---wanting them to NOT be me, not have my experience, etc...
i am in love with this post and the photos you chose are priceless.
five. can you believe we have FIVE year-olds?
love them sitting together in the laundry baskets, too. so cute & creative. le sigh.
I melted when I read this. And that photo of you in the beginning made me giggle.
I'm tardy to the party as always. Happy belated to Owen.
I love the way you look at things Nancy. So thought provoking. So insightful.
chills. I love it!
How is he 5? Happy Birthday Owen :)
What a great age!!
Happy Birthday, Owen. Your mama loves you so very, very much.
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