November 08, 2010

Learning to walk


My life as I knew it is over, at least for a little while. Max turned one last week and is moving about more and more and even beginning to walk. I can no longer put him down and know I can do a quick blog post or eat my lunch. No, he is all boy, opening the back door, longing to go outside, batting away books, preferring to crawl quickly to cupboards or drawers to empty the contents. I am this close to giving up putting everything back in place at least until he is older!

This may sound like a complaint, but really what a privilege to help launch this child into the world, to give him stronger legs, to be there as the world comes rushing towards him! Lord, help me be a good Momma.



and so where does it come from,
this drive to rise up?

he came to my arms lying down
he has been carried
he has been worn

I did not tell him to walk
I only cheer
when he pulls to a stand
I lean in
lending my hand
a finger hold
the last thread of security

this is his world to discover
these are his legs to strengthen
his pine cones to navigate
to pick up and be pricked by.

how he faces it, wobbling today,
running tomorrow, is his business

I can blow breath in the direction
I think is right
but he will learn the hard way
like every other boy before him

Shona Cole

11 comments:

  1. Beautiful post and oh so true.

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  2. Beautiful and touching post.

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  3. Such sweet words. My Dad's name was Max. My first grandson was named Maxton and we call him Max. Great name.

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  4. This post is so beautiful and tender.
    I started something again.
    I carried on about you my dear.
    This is for me to get grounded and learn. I would love your input.

    http://pinkcornerstudio.blogspot.com/

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  5. That is such a precious poem..and moment. Wow--Shona-you say what we all feel..only better! It seems as if Max was born only yesterday. How can he be a whole year old? It was so fun holding him and changing him while you got the girls ready for Ireland. He's such a 'cuddly' little fellow. I can't believe he's about to walk. You are right..he's all boy! It makes me think of one of my favorite country songs, "If He's Anything Like Me". I need to add that to my playlist.

    Love,
    Donna

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  6. OMG Shona, I can't believe that Max is one already. Where has the time gone? Your post is lovely and moving as always.

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  7. Beautiful post. Your poem perfectly captures such an important milestone, for both child and parents. I was part worried at all the trouble my kids might get into, part proud that they were ready to go at it alone and part wistful knowing it was but a step of the breaking away from mama part.

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  8. So sweet Shona! Can't believe he's that big already! Time flies! Wish you were going to Silver Bella with me...maybe next year?
    Hugs, Mendy

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  9. beautiful words and photo Shona.

    I am laughing to think, all i want to do is go back down again! Ah, the energy of youth :)

    xo Lis

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  10. thank you everyone. yes, how time flies and it seems faster and faster the older I get, a cliche I know but I wish it wasn't so.

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