The picture stuns me each time. A child flying in the air. Her father arms stretched to the heavens in wonder as she flies. Her hair aligned with the wind that is her motion. There is a bliss in the photo. The look on her face is joy. She is flying.
We have all wanted to fly at one time or another. Not just in a plane. Honest to goodness, flying. Under our own power. Each of us has wished to soar through the air. Superman is my way. TV from 50s Superman (which differs from the many variations since.) Run, jump, and off I go. I am related to the young flyer so maybe it is in her genes. Her Grandma Sharon has to flap her airs and kinda swim her way into the air. To my knowledge, that is particular method is unique to Grandma Sharon. Well, her and a pelican taking off with a full pouch. Somehow I don’t see this young flyer as a slow take off kinda gal. She may have her Grandma’s genes but she has a different way to fly.
She jolts in the air and laughs all the way down. It is one of the best things her Dad does with and for her. All that exists is up in that moment. The shot up to kiss the sky. The drop down to where you know you are safe….even when falling to the earth. She knows all will be well. Dad is her catapult, launching platform, and safety net.
This is more than flying. This is trust. She perks up at the hint of him tossing her aloft. She tastes one and wants more. She tastes more and wants even more. “Again, Daddy!”. So Daddy does. Again. She is free of all things and connected to all things in that moment. Those moments.
She is the only thing in the world that matters to her father at those moments. His child….tossed with love…….caught with love and safety. He lets her fly and makes sure she is safe to want to fly again. Think about that. He lets her fly and makes sure she is safe to want to fly again. This is a moment of a child trusting a parent absolutely. This is parenting that teaches life lessons. She knows she can focus on flying. He will be there to catch her when she falls.
He will be, Gracie. Just as your Mom will be. Your Grandma and I will be there too. You soar. Today. Tomorrow. Forever. Goes as high as you can. Laugh loud with euphoria. Get dizzy with the magic of moments like the one in that photo. That is living. You are three years old and the soaring has just started. Your family will be here to catch you should you fall. Fly, Kid. FLY!
I hope the bliss Gracie knows when she flies is hers even with both feet planted on the ground. As Casey Kasem, used to say (Casey is a famous DJ like Cousin Brucie and Wolfman Jack….check the history books someday, Gracie.), “Keep your feet on the ground and keep reaching for the stars.” In your case, let your feet fly as you reach for the stars.
Happy Birthday, Gracie Wood.
Love Pop-Pop
No comments:
Post a Comment