Slow Down!

Dear Matthew,
I know you have to grow up, but my heart isn't yet ready for my baby to start crawling. You apparently didn't get the memo...

Mrs. Edwards

"If you know someone who has lost a child, and you're afraid to mention them because you think you might make them sad by reminding them that they died--you're not reminding them. They didn't forget they died. What you're reminding them of is that you remembered that they lived, and that is a great gift."
--Elizabeth Edwards, 1949-2010

This is important, boys, and I think the sentiment applies to the loss of any loved one. People often wonder what words, if any, to say to a grieving friend. I can tell you that anything involving God and his reasons will almost universally elicit an internal eye roll from the recipient. I prefer a simple and honest "I'm sorry," "I love you," and "I will remember." Then open your heart and listen.

That's all for today.
xoxo

Backyard Fun

You boys live in a pretty special place--you've had the opportunity to identify hawks, shovel plentiful snow, enjoy frequent hikes, squawk at wild turkeys, explore waterfalls, and even befriend a herd of albino deer residing in a nearby wildlife reservation. I grew up in a special place too--one I experienced as much under water as above. You got a taste of my childhood on our Thanksgiving trip to the Keys, when a manatee swam right up to Mamo & Grandaddy's backyard dock for a snack:

Daddy spotted some fishing line wrapped around our friend's flipper, so we called the local wildlife folks to report his location. They were thrilled to learn his whereabouts and will hopefully help him out!

Veterans Day

Guys,

Today is Veterans Day. Ours is not a "military town" and I worry--having grown up in a series of such towns--that you will miss out on some of the respect and tradition paid to our servicemen and servicewomen. Many of them are really just girls and boys, yet The Uniform and accompanying responsibility render age-as-a-maturity-indicator pretty useless. Still hard to think of anything but a kid when you see a number like 19 or 23 next to an obituary notice though.

Without getting too preachy, I want you both to hold a special respect for military members, past and present. Sometimes ignorant people ascribe certain views to all members of the armed services--as though a conservative brainwashing occurs during boot camp--but the only thing they all have in common is the voluntary subjugation of their own lives to their country's security. That's huge, and it should never go unappreciated.

So when you enjoy your day off from work, school, or other pursuits on the 11th day of the 11th month each year, I only ask that you take a moment to remember the reason why. Remember, and be thankful.

The Artist

Jason,
Lately you've been on a painting spree. You paint at school, at home, with brushes, with stamps, with fingers...if I let you paint with your feet you would! The good news is I get lots of original artwork to frame and display around the house. I think you need to work on the whole tortured artist thing though. You're WAY too happy to be a serious painter!!

Sit, Matthew, Sit!

Matthew,
You have officially mastered the art of sitting. This development, while impressive to Mommy, is not nearly advanced enough for Jason, who today asked when you would be able to play chase.

Swinging

As winter looms I dread the temporary end of our daily park visits. Matthew even gets in on the fun now!