Last Sunday, while the gingerbread men were in the oven, Grace, Whit and I had a Christmas carol danceathon
Grace and I have a book we hand back and forth in which we write to each other. Some of the book’s pages have prompts, and others are blank. It’s been a very effective way, so far, to communicate. I worry a lot about maintaining open dialogue with her as she moves into her tween years (and beyond) and small things like this book are one way to help do that. At least that’s my hope!
Most recently, she responded to this prompt: “They’re filming the story of your life. Who are the stars and what is it about?”
And this was her answer, which makes me proud, tearful, and amazed, all at once:
My stars are Matt, Lindsey, Whit, and Caroline. It’s all about hard times and good times and just how in the end everything is perfect.
Oh, Grace, my grace. Leading me to the truth, as always: noticing a sparrow and naming him Still (who has been joined by a second bird, lately, a fact that fills us all with delight. Grace has named the new bird Safe), noticing the magic all around us. Every single day. Thank you.
(photography by Whit)
Amazing. The truth and beauty of this post is overwhelming – right down to the photos and their photographer. In the end everything is perfect. I won’t forget it. Thank you for sharing these moments. xo
This is what it’s all about. Thanks for sharing.
I really love these danceathon photos. Well done, Whit! (and YOU)
Whit is quite the photog! And what a lovely idea to share a book back and forth. Grace certainly has a way with words – like her mother. Reminds me of the saying (I heard first from Meghan and share ALL the time, maybe even here before) “In the end it will all turn out okay – and if its not okay — its not the end.”
I read this early this morning and it took my breath away. So very beautiful and true and life at it’s best.
Thank you. And tell Whit he can do an internship with me any time!
Love to you.
I love so many things about you Lindsey, but maybe what I love and admire most of all is that you live life as a blessing, that you never forget how precious it all is. And in living that way yourself, you are a spiritual teacher to the rest of us. I bow to you!!
Thank you for this. And Whit? The kid is a talented photog 🙂
Oh, I LOVE this. Good words to remember, and what wonderful dancing photos.
Wow! I love the wisdom that comes out of Grace’s mouth. And thank you for sharing these little gems of communication that you use with your kids. I love that idea of the book you write together and I also loved the advent calendar idea in yesterday’s post. Some many great ideas that foster love and cost almost nothing. How blessed you are with those little children!
Thanks Lindsey!
Wow, she gets it! I think we all did at some point as children, but it’s harder to maintain.
When she says, “It’s all about hard times and good times and just how in the end everything is perfect” it is clear that she is in on the Universe’s plan. May she hold on to that forever… 🙂
X
M
My heart has turned into mush after reading this. So lovely.
Ahhh. You inspire me in so many ways! I am keeping that book in my thoughts as we will soon be approaching the years of needing it.
Love the idea of passing a book back and forth. Do you use something published or have you created the prompts etc yourself?
Don’t think anything could have made me happier today than those photos.