Thursday, December 3, 2009

One Ray of Sunlight to Hold In My Hand

I know I promised you an epic post. It's done. And writing it nearly did me in. I've been hesitant to post it because I fear it's my magnum opus. The one single best thing I ever may write. I have not been able to reread it since the final edit, and I've shared it with a couple of random people who were told it was "some woman's lifelong short story." They were left sobbing and smiling simultaneously by the end of it. Just as I was. I need some distance from it before I post it, so I hope you'll forgive the delay.

* * * * *

"Look, Mom. I drew a perfect lower case "a."

"You sure did. It makes me proud of you to see you so proud of yourself. You're getting to be an awfully good speller and reader."

"Thanks, Mom. Is that why you love me so much?"

"No. Acutally, I love you so much because you are kind and polite and loving and a wonderful sister. But also because no matter what you try to do, you don't give up until you succeed or decide that you could really use some help and then you ask for it. But not before you try your best. That is the mark of a truly successful person."

"What's successful?"

"It means that you can do whatever you want to do and be really, really good at it."

"Even when I grow up?"

"Especially when you grow up."

"Well, when I grow up, I want to be a writer...


...but I might change my mind. Just so you know."


By the time she finished her proclamation, I was sobbing and smiling simultaneously.

Amen, my baby.
xodana


she also made me sign her up for the Wizard of Oz auditions at school. she said she'd be a munchkin, but not a flying monkey. she has boundaries, afterall.

6 comments:

tonia said...

Sweetest. What a great message for your kid to hear.

tlh said...

can't wait for the post!! xoxo

Molly said...

How sweet and how great that she wants to be a writer! I would be crying too!

Patricia in TO said...

Take your time - we'll be here...

And your girl is awesome!

joy said...

Looking forward to the epicness. Your girl's words are pretty epic too. Much love!

Karin aka perpstu said...

She is so beautiful. This was a perfect fill in for the epicness to come. Whenever you're ready, we're all here to read.

xoxo