"Enjoy the childhood joys of winter."
- Quote by the wisest of all people - Dove chocolates.
It was a lot easier being a kid.
When your parents took you sledding, you threw caution to the wind. There was little fear or hesitation as you took a running leap down the snowy hill to race to the bottom.
I still enjoy sledding. It's a small thrill I'm sure I will never grow out of. I try to let my boys go without too many warnings, but they are ever present in my head. When I was a kid, I saw only snow. As the parent, I see trees and fences. Even the grade of the hill. {Is it too steep?} Instead of seeing ice jumps, I see bone breakers. I watch my son gliding down the hill effortlessly on a snowboard, allthewhile biting my fingernails to nubs as he twists and falls - knees one direction, ankles in the other - wondering if that cheap snowboard will break his legs.
I realize there are worse things they will eventually encounter in their lives. They will get older and undoubtedly I will not always be around to worry over them. Sledding {and other sports} builds confidence in kids. It's trial and error. They try different parts of the hill, and they maneuver their boards in different ways. They slide down and fall, getting a face full of powder. Or have an awkward spill and have to shake the sting off.
Many times the ride down is fun and exhilirating, but they cry on the way up because the hill is too hard to climb. But so is life my sweet boys. I'm here to remind them that though the journey to the top can sometimes be difficult, it's so worth what's waiting for you on the other side.
Many times the ride down is fun and exhilirating, but they cry on the way up because the hill is too hard to climb. But so is life my sweet boys. I'm here to remind them that though the journey to the top can sometimes be difficult, it's so worth what's waiting for you on the other side.
Sarah, your pictures are beautiful and your post was so touching. The shift in perspective from being a child and enjoying the thrill of sledding to becoming a parent and wanting to protect our babies from anything that might hurt them. You have a way with words. I loved seeing you bundled up, outside, enjoying the snow. My favorite picture, though, the last one, the reflection including you and your boys, the looks on their tired faces after having created their own memories of sledding. Thanks for participating again this month!
ReplyDeleteSarah I love your "reflections" what a beautiful way to sum up life for children. These are beautiful photos and memories. A really lovely post. I think children are the best reflections of who we are
ReplyDeleteOh wow... isn't this the truth! Seeing things through the lens of parenthood changes everything! Great post--beautiful pictures and sentiment.
ReplyDelete--Elena
acasarella.net
Very eloquently put. And also, you might want to mention to your boys that you are the greatest mom ever for taking them sledding. That is dad's job in our house :)
ReplyDeleteTrue words!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful & fun reflection pictures :)
Great pictures! Those kids are too funny! Thanks for stopping by The Frugal Freshman Homemaker, now following on GFC :-)
ReplyDelete