So, if you need me, I'll be living in my car with at least one of my three children.
By "living," I mean eating meals, napping, putting together professional presentations, writing complicated pieces, Wordling, doing homework, parenting, doling out third row time-outs, having amateur therapy sessions and reapplying mascara.
I know it sounds moderately awful; but I actually missed this lifestyle during the past two years of the pandemic. It feels good to get out there, even if there is my car and out is a parking lot.
My kids are busy kids. They do more extracurriculars than is advisable. I think they are happy like this. My oldest does not know any different--she's been working hard from the very beginning to overcome cancer and treatment; while also embracing every moment. The other two followed suit. I pretty sure we've played nearly every sport (except wrestling) and tried every hobby (except . . .well, I am not sure. I think they've tried everything). They love to dance. The love to sing. They love to make music. They love to kick things (and each other). They love to try.
This last part, the trying part, is the part that makes me really proud as a parent. When Lily was diagnosed with cancer and then when we were told she most likely would not ever walk without a walker or crutches, we became determined that our daughter would not have a life marked by immobility. Instead, we wanted her to try everything. We wanted her to explore what was possible (everything!) and learn to try.
When Lily talks about her experience in athletics. She always says, "I tried everything, but nothing stuck, until it did." The "it" is rowing. And this has not been easy for her; and toss in a shunt failure and recovery and you'd think maybe Lily would give up.
But, she doesn't because we've taught her to try (and she is extraordinary and gritty and strong and graceful and determined and does not give a flying fig what anyone thinks. I like my kid, a whole lot.).
Of course all this trying requires a huge commitment from us--and living in our car a couple months a year. At least the seats are heated and can fully recline.
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