We've had a couple great weekends in a row. The weekend before last we all went ziplining with the Evanses and went fourwheeling at the cabin. This last weekend we shot off rockets in the church parking lot and went camping in the backyard. Some might consider us dumb for involving our 4 year old and two 3 year old in such activities, and maybe we are. The simple truth is that we love being together, so if it is possible to be together, we strive to do it!
We also try hard not to pass our fears onto you kids. We always encourage you to be cautious, but brave, and we try to help you feel what we do...that you you can do ANYthing you set your mind to if you are determined, work hard, and don't make excuses.
This weekend Noah, you made me so proud. We were cleaning up after camping, and you picked up the stack of kid's adirondack chairs and went to put them back on the deck. I could tell they were too heavy for you and jumped up to help you. As I got close I decided to just stay there in case you needed help, but to let you figure it out. You couldn't quite get on the first step, and nearly fell over as you stepped back. You recovered, repositioned the stack, lifted as high as you could and walked forward. the chairs hit the first step, but you maneuvered them onto the second step and got yourself onto the first step. Your attempt to get up the last step caused you to again fall back to the grass and nearly fall down.
Then you turned, and looked at me and said something that just made me nearly tear up. You didn't say "I can't do this". You didn't say "I'm having a hard time". You didn't say "Dad, why aren't you helping me?". You said, with a look of determination on your face, "Dad, will you help me put these on my head?" I was shocked, but decided to let you try it. I helped you get them on your head, winced a couple times when you nearly fell over, then watched you march up the stairs. I took this picture, and then helped you lower the chairs to their final resting place.
I was proud, because you didn't give up. I was proud because you didn't look for excuses. I was proud because you didn't look for a handout, rather you looked for help so that you could do it. It was like watching the Brother of Jared do everything in his power to get light in the boats, and humbly ask his Heavenly Father to help magnify his efforts. You were brave, strong, and humble. What a great combination of attributes!
Not long after we heard screaming from inside as you and your brother and sister ran from a moth that had gotten into our house. You were all scared of the moth, and it is okay to be scared. Even good to be scared sometimes. But then, little man, you went a got a dishcloth (like you've seen me do to take out flies and such) and very tentatively faced your fear
You swung your towel cautiously at the moth, which you barely touched with the towel, and then this happened.
You jumped back as the moth fluttered across the window.
I was proud, because you didn't let yourself be controlled by your fear. I was proud because you looked for way to conquer your fear. I was proud because you didn't look for excuses, rather you looked for a way you could help your family. You were brave, and still careful. What a great combination of attributes!
In one instance you were successful in achieving your goal, in the other you weren't, but in both you showed what a wonderful character you have. I hope you continue to develop those wonderful attributes. You are such a good helper and such a hard worker. You look for ways to help when Mom and I do things. You are strong, AND humble, brave, AND careful, tough, AND sensitive and loving. Thanks for being such a great kid. I love you, son!
Love,
Daddydoo
