Small Things Are Big Things

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by: Kara Noel Lawson

Perspective…

 

It seems that every year or so a buzz word finds it’s way into my brain and shapes my views of life and parenting.

 
I’m not talking slang buzz words like radical, bitchin’ or whatever.
Last year it was intentional.
As in…
Be intentional about date nights with Hot Hubby.
Intentionally be silly with the kiddos everyday.
When we go places be intentional about teaching children about other cultures and helping the lost and needy.
Fold the laundry… God knows I gotta be intentional about that!
Get the idea?
This year my word has been perspective.
It came to me when…
(photo by Suzane Broughton over at Alive in Wonderland)
While Eli was in preschool Cora Jane and I would get to go on Mommy Date Days.
Library, park, lake… sometimes laundry.
This day our date was at the Irvine Spectrum.
I let her loose, and basically just followed her around anywhere she wanted to go.
Around the planter 14 times. Sure!
Splash a bit in the fountain… maybe even dangle our toes. No problem!
 
It’s her time.
Cora quickly discovered the giant Ferris wheel.
She was in awe.
She plopped her dimpled diapered bottom in the middle of the walkway to watch the wheel’s slow turning.
I plopped with her.
She clapped.
She danced.
She was brimming with delight only a child has.
We watched that lovely lazy spin for half an hour.
How wonderful that I got to see those giant pieces of steel and mechanics through my daughter’s perspective.
We had just enough time left to go to golden spoon (Side note: I worked at golden spoon back in the day and it’s still my favorite of all the frozen yogurts).
We sat outside so I could people watch… I mean so Cora could still enjoy watching the Ferris wheel.
The Irvine Spectrum is an awesome place to people watch.
REALLY! Put on your best people watching sunglasses… the big dark ones and head on over.
Quite a few stereotypical Orange County women walked by.
Laden with shopping bags, fake hair, plump collagen lips, perky silicon boobs and of course, personally trained bodies.
Wow… wonder about her perspective!?!
Then a group of mentally challenged adults came by with their caregivers. They were in their late 20s and 30s. You could tell they were excited about their outing. Chatting about things they wanted to buy and restaurants they were going to try. Their caretakers were great and you could tell everyone was happy. The group sat near us for lunch.
Then one of the men noticed the Ferris wheel.
He was in awe.
He clapped
He danced.
He was brimming with delight only a child has.
He watched that lovely lazy spin for almost half an hour.
How wonderful that I got to see those giant pieces of steel and mechanics through this man’s perspective.
Then for some reason I started to weep.
Not cry.
I mean full-on shallow breath flooding tears weep.
(Thank God I was wearing my people watching sunglasses!)
I’m not sure why I was so touched by the 3 perspectives.
Was it because plastic OC lady was sucked into a world of self?
Was it because the man I was watching, never experienced getting his license on his 16th birthday, or will probably never get married, have children or be completely independent?
Because he will forever be a child and stare in simple wonder at things like the Spectrum Ferris wheel?
Or because someday my daughter won’t?
Perspective.

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Kara Noel Lawson

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Comments

  3. Michelle says

    You have a cute blog and seem like a great person to get to know. As I am right in the middle of laundry I can't stay long. Just stopping by from UBP 2010.

    Reply

  4. Stacey says... says

    Love the post! I follow you on Twitter and am not sure why I haven't stopped by your blog before…Glad I found it on the UBP!

    Reply

  5. Teresa @ Grammy Girlfriend says

    Beautiful post….Bookmarking so I can come back and read more….
    Party hopping and having a blast…..so many great blogs….I have a Fun $100 Gift Basket to give away and all it takes a comment.
    I am number….294 and 295…..Stop by and see me at either blog…Happy Saturday! PLUS I JUST PUT UP A SURPRSIE GIVEAWAY FOR TONIGHT. ……you still have time to enter
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    Blessings, Teresa
    http://teresa-grammygirlfriend.blogspot.com/2010/04/ultimate-blog-party-and-great-prize.html
    http://grammyababychangeseverything.blogspot.com/

    Reply

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