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Monday, May 21, 2012

While Kayaking

My friend, Heidi, and I spent Saturday kayaking on the river. The warm sun, the breeze through the tall river grass, the tranquil water. Oh, and the cranes. They were magnificent. Most were white, but there was one, a smoky gray, with a huge wingspan. It glided gracefully through the air. I missed the opportunity to get a photo, leaving my camera on dry ground, afraid I'd accidentally drop it in the water.

As we made our way back to home base we saw a father and two kids paddling a canoe towards us. Seeing the little boy working his paddle through the water, I imagined Max doing the same when he's a little older. I told Heidi I couldn't wait, and she voiced the eternal question that floats around in my mind. "You think he'll be able to do it?" "I don't know," I said, and then felt guilty. Of course he can do it. Why wouldn't he be able to do it? So I said, (more or less), "Well, we'll have to see. But I'll definitely bring him." And that's really the whole point. The only reason kids like Max don't or can't do things is because people think they can't. If they don't get the chance to try, how will they ever learn to do it? It's a never-ending battle between optimism and pessimism. Too far in either direction and we've gone of course. Assuming Max can do anything his peers can do, and not being disappointed when he struggles is probably the perfect balance.

Way to go, Max!

I'm so charming!
 

4 comments:

  1. He will be able to do a lot more than just that! =)

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  2. Thank you! I know he will! :)

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  3. I have no doubt. He's 18 months and he can do everything, it just takes a bit longer to learn. The greatest thing to me is that we have him as a baby longer than most people do.

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  4. You were chosen to be Max's parents for a reason. Maybe it is to show others how far he can go, maybe it's because you and your family are so loving and accepting, but whatever the reason, you are so lucky to have Max. He is so adorable. Your blog, so far, is great. Keep it up.

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