Walking on water
God-like and masterful
You have become
What I always knew you would
I watch my boy
Hear his tiny voice
Feel the little hand slip
A spirit lighthearted, devoted
But not to me
Walking on water
Bowls of ice cream
Garbage cans
You make the ordinary
Extraordinary
Your role more important
Because in your perceived infallibility
The moment to teach and love
Is in your grasp
Please be gentle with his tender heart
As you teach him not to be fragile
And take him out on the water with you
Let him try to be God-like and masterful
And he will become
What we always knew he would.
-lgm
Uncle Michael has always been very high on Ian's list. This weekend, he was elevated to rock star status. Uncle Mike was "the coolest", Daddy was a close second and Connor will be cool when he stops being a baby. Aunt Terri and Mommy did not rate because, of course, we are girls. Although in Ian's words, "I love everyone!".Since we had to drive two cars for much of the weekend, Ian enjoyed riding in Uncle Mike's car, without even a glance back at Daddy or Mommy. We had Connor, so Ian got Uncle Michael and Aunt Terri all to himself on the car rides.
Uncle Mike normally has some major activity or goal for himself (this year is a sailing race!)-last year he was climbing Mt. Whitney and anytime we were visiting, he would carry Ian and occasionally both Ian and Connor for our walks so he could practice walking with the extra weight. This weekend, Ian insisted on being carrying by Uncle Mike as often as possible-excellent practice for him and my aching arms were grateful for a reprieve.
We know Michael relishes his role as uncle and Thomas and I both were talking about it on the way home that this is what we wanted for the boys. We never felt the pang of being second-rate, no matter how much we joke about it. (and we do!) To have someone that Ian loves and respects, someone who, much of the time, turns out to be our role model too, it's a tremendous gift to have Cool Uncle Mike in the family.
5 comments:
What a guy! I love that first shot!! Glad you're enjoying their visit! Say hello to Aunt Terri for me! I miss her posts.
Happy Easter to all of you!
Lovely words, Linda. It's quite refreshing to see a blog so dedicated to family love. My son is now in college and the empty nest thing is still very hard for me. The days of childhood are far more precious than anyone realizes, and it is a wise soul indeed who can appreciate them while they are happening instead of complaining about "the kids." I loved being a father. And I recall "These are the Days quite well. I have the CD. And THE CAY. I kept all my son's books. Im going to add you to my link list so people can see your great site. Happy Easter!
This was a lovely post. I love your poem and the pictures and the essay and just the whole thing... and if Uncle Mike would like to adopt me even though I'm old and never leave my house, I'm available.
Sounds like you guys had a wonderful trip. I'm glad - you definitely earned it! Also, wonderful poem and pictures :)
Uncle Mike certainly does rock! and the photos were lovely.
and the poem - oh my the poem!
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