Family Pic

Thanksgiving in Arizona. This was taken at the zoo we visited. It was great. Watching the kids have so much fun, and getting close to the animals is a wondrous experience.

Too bad Maya is not smiling in this picture... when she smiles, the whole world lights up!

What is "growing up." What does it really mean to become "older"? Max cannot wait to grow up, so he can finally drive! I have been confronted with my own "growing older" recently. Becoming very aware of it. Perhaps that's the beauty (cruelty?) of being a parent. You are allowed to be a witness to the intricate processes of what it means, and what it takes, to be a human being. You are enabled to witness that each skill is a learned one; each behaviour is a thaught one. You are, in essence, given an almost 'second chance' at contemplating your own 'growing up processes' while being a witness to your children's journey of life, and sifting through layers of your own feelings, observations, and experiences. The neglected past gets another chance of revival and, perhaps, healing. The attended past is celebrated and re-enjoyed...

Looking at this picture, I see readily how much John and I have aged in the past 5 years together. We've gone through (and survived, thank God!) a lot... Our own struggles, our own baggage, our own descent. Confusion. Resentment. Anger. Forgiveness. Physical separation. Childbirth. Chronic illness. Surgery. Loosing loved ones. Loosing friends. Parents divorce. Professional struggles. Cancer.

Above all, we experienced LOVE; in more than one way. Love for one another; love for your child; love for one's parents and siblings. Love of friends. And perhaps, self love, the most difficult journey of all???

That, to me, is the essence of growing older... the ability of loving. It comes more easily, more natural. You realize that THAT's what life is really all about. The very essence of this creation.