They say a picture is with a thousand words.
This is my Maddy. My feisty, playful, doting and (at times) my Moody Maddy. I could think of a thousand ways to describe her (just as someday she will be able to do for me - most likely when she is about 15)... but the single word that defines her is Resilient.
Never would you know by looking at her now what a struggle the first few months of her life were for her (or for me). What I see now is a vibrant, healthy, happy little girl who is physically and inherently strong. I'm pretty sure it's "Maddy's World" and everyone around her is just living in it.
This photo was taken at one of our favorite spots, which we've come to call "Caterpillar Park"... The kids love to try out all of the equipment and climb through the caterpillar tunnel- hence the nickname. At the close of this trip, the Mads decided she was going to tackle the uneven terrain of the drawstring-type bridge on the bigger piece of the playground. I watched closely as she moved with intention. This bridge was hers! She cautiously took a few steps while quietly whispering "Easyyyy" to herself. She almost made it across on the first attempt but her sure little feet became a little unsteady and she slipped. I tried to capture the moment of her crossing the bridge all on her own; instead, I captured the moment in which she landed haphazardly on her hands.
Snuggled in the tight hug I had waiting for her, I asked, "You okay, my baby?" to which she replied, "Yes. I try a'gin, Mom" with a tear and a wiggle out of my arms, she jumped right back onto the bridge to give it her best shot.
Resilient.
I know of five year olds who would have taken that tumble and would have called it a day.
But not my Maddy. My resilient little girl.
I choked back the tug at my heart that reminded me how very blessed I am to have her in my life. These moments are what it's all about. Resilient.
To this little girl, this bridge was her hurdle to conquer. Nothing was getting in her way. Needless to say I didn't capture attempt #2 because I was too busy admiring her with pride and awe. She made it, by the way, shot a smirk and an "I DID IT!" in my direction that made me literally laugh out loud.
Resilient.
Funny, I didn't realize it until just now that that is how I would also describe a butterfly. No wonder she loves pointing them out.
...
So with that, my dear, resilient Madelyn Marjorie: watching you from caterpillar to butterfly is a privilege of my life. Thanks for reminding me what it's all about.
This photo was taken at one of our favorite spots, which we've come to call "Caterpillar Park"... The kids love to try out all of the equipment and climb through the caterpillar tunnel- hence the nickname. At the close of this trip, the Mads decided she was going to tackle the uneven terrain of the drawstring-type bridge on the bigger piece of the playground. I watched closely as she moved with intention. This bridge was hers! She cautiously took a few steps while quietly whispering "Easyyyy" to herself. She almost made it across on the first attempt but her sure little feet became a little unsteady and she slipped. I tried to capture the moment of her crossing the bridge all on her own; instead, I captured the moment in which she landed haphazardly on her hands.
Snuggled in the tight hug I had waiting for her, I asked, "You okay, my baby?" to which she replied, "Yes. I try a'gin, Mom" with a tear and a wiggle out of my arms, she jumped right back onto the bridge to give it her best shot.
Resilient.
I know of five year olds who would have taken that tumble and would have called it a day.
But not my Maddy. My resilient little girl.
I choked back the tug at my heart that reminded me how very blessed I am to have her in my life. These moments are what it's all about. Resilient.
To this little girl, this bridge was her hurdle to conquer. Nothing was getting in her way. Needless to say I didn't capture attempt #2 because I was too busy admiring her with pride and awe. She made it, by the way, shot a smirk and an "I DID IT!" in my direction that made me literally laugh out loud.
Resilient.
Funny, I didn't realize it until just now that that is how I would also describe a butterfly. No wonder she loves pointing them out.
...
So with that, my dear, resilient Madelyn Marjorie: watching you from caterpillar to butterfly is a privilege of my life. Thanks for reminding me what it's all about.
