Something happened at my house today. I can't tell you what it was exactly...because I'm embarrassed and ashamed. Suffice it to say it involved a momentary lapse in mommy memory that jeopardized one of my children's safety. I am happy to report all of my children are safe and healthy as I write this.
This "happening" made me think about a few things. The Oprah episode. I don't know if you saw it, not everyone is tuning in to Oprah in the middle of the day. I don't usually do it, myself, but I saw a promo for this episode, and although I shouldn't have done it, I tuned in. It was the one where she interviewed a woman whose baby died after she left her in the car all day. I couldn't watch the whole show, I was crying so hard. I was crying because babies shouldn't die, but also because I knew that "there but for the grace of god..." As evidenced by my mistake today, it can happen so easily, the simplest, smallest oversight. Brought on by overwork, hectic lives, lack of sleep. Luckily for me and my family, my mistake did not lead to tragedy.
This "happening" also made me think about how I deal with my mistakes. As soon as I was sure everything was okay, I let it go and moved on to thinking about how I would keep it from happening again, and what I needed to do for my child now. This is yet another thing I have learned from having children. It is a necessary way of living when you have little people depending on you. There is no time for wallowing in self loathing or asking "what if". Our children need us to act quickly, forgive ourselves and move on.
So my son is okay, I have learned something, and we will all continue with our lives. I wonder, if my mistake had led to tragedy, could I ever forgive myself? There's that "what if".
Friday, October 10, 2008
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Your Life and Mine
The best part of what I do is getting to know people. Sometimes I think its strange that I rarely get to meet the people I get to know. When I make a Video Scrapbook, the subject of the video is usually not my client. My client is their mother, father, daughter, son, aunt, uncle, cousin. You see what I mean.
Recently, I finished project which involved about one hundred and fifty photos of someone who has lived a long, long life. It never ceases to amaze me that I can watch video and look at photos of total strangers, and feel connected to them. You can learn so much about someone's personality and life from the photos they were in. Was he an artist, scientist or writer? Was she outgoing or shy? Did they have a big family, lots of friends, like to travel?
Not only do I get to know total strangers, I am inspired by them. From watching a toddler's enthusiasm for dance to seeing a grandmother's lifetime of adventures, I feel like I have been changed by each and every person whose life story has come to me for editing. Short or long, just beginning or coming to an end, these lives are now a part of mine.
Thank you for trusting me with their stories. Don't worry, I will hold them in my heart and treat them with all the care they deserve.
Recently, I finished project which involved about one hundred and fifty photos of someone who has lived a long, long life. It never ceases to amaze me that I can watch video and look at photos of total strangers, and feel connected to them. You can learn so much about someone's personality and life from the photos they were in. Was he an artist, scientist or writer? Was she outgoing or shy? Did they have a big family, lots of friends, like to travel?
Not only do I get to know total strangers, I am inspired by them. From watching a toddler's enthusiasm for dance to seeing a grandmother's lifetime of adventures, I feel like I have been changed by each and every person whose life story has come to me for editing. Short or long, just beginning or coming to an end, these lives are now a part of mine.
Thank you for trusting me with their stories. Don't worry, I will hold them in my heart and treat them with all the care they deserve.
Friday, August 29, 2008
A Day for Grandparents
Grandparents day is just over a week away! What? You didn't know? You have never heard of Grandparents Day? Well, I am sure it was invented by Hallmark, but nevertheless, Sunday September 7th is Grandparents Day. I have a snappy little idea that could turn this greeting card holiday into something special for Grandma and Grandpa.
Quickly scan through your digital photos from the last year (or 2) and mark about 30 to 50 of the best ones of your kids. Make sure there as as many as possible with the grandparents, and include some of your nieces and nephews, as well. Burn them to a CD. Now, choose an appropriate song, like Circle of Life by Elton John, Forever Young by Rod Stewart, or What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong.
If you are feeling particularly energetic and creative, and have a few extra hours on your hands, go ahead and assemble it yourself. There is some pretty user friendly software out there. Better yet, call or email me, and for a special price, I will put it together and make you a personalized DVD for Grandma and Grandpa.
They will love it, and they will be so surprised! The only thing is, now they will expect something equally as wonderful next year.
Quickly scan through your digital photos from the last year (or 2) and mark about 30 to 50 of the best ones of your kids. Make sure there as as many as possible with the grandparents, and include some of your nieces and nephews, as well. Burn them to a CD. Now, choose an appropriate song, like Circle of Life by Elton John, Forever Young by Rod Stewart, or What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong.
If you are feeling particularly energetic and creative, and have a few extra hours on your hands, go ahead and assemble it yourself. There is some pretty user friendly software out there. Better yet, call or email me, and for a special price, I will put it together and make you a personalized DVD for Grandma and Grandpa.
They will love it, and they will be so surprised! The only thing is, now they will expect something equally as wonderful next year.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
What I Did On My Summer Vacation
Went to the top of a mountain.
Watched my hot husband play in a rock band.
Spent some time at the playground.
Played at the beach.
Go-carting...
Boating...
Looking up.It has been a wonderful summer full of fun. And it's not over yet! Let's cram as much fun as we can into these last couple of weeks, shall we?
Friday, August 15, 2008
Counting Blessings
Sometimes I find it difficult to be as thankful as I should be. It's not that I don't feel extremely lucky or that I don't appreciate all that makes my life full and wonderful. Maybe I feel that its not enough to just think it or say it. Maybe I feel I should do something for those who are not as lucky as me. For today, I would like to tell you why I feel grateful. Perhaps that will inspire me into action.
1) I am grateful that I do not live in a country where war makes it so mothers fear for their children's lives every night and day.
2) I am grateful for every moment that the sun shines on my face and makes me feel warm.
3) I am grateful to have choices about where I live, what I do and with whom I associate.
4) I am grateful for the sounds made by children. Laughter. Questions. Cries of need.
5) I am grateful for warm, generous, friendly people who try not to judge or hurt or ridicule.
Of course, I am so grateful for many, many more things. These are the ones that feel most urgent today. Please, feel free to add your own.
1) I am grateful that I do not live in a country where war makes it so mothers fear for their children's lives every night and day.
2) I am grateful for every moment that the sun shines on my face and makes me feel warm.
3) I am grateful to have choices about where I live, what I do and with whom I associate.
4) I am grateful for the sounds made by children. Laughter. Questions. Cries of need.
5) I am grateful for warm, generous, friendly people who try not to judge or hurt or ridicule.
Of course, I am so grateful for many, many more things. These are the ones that feel most urgent today. Please, feel free to add your own.
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Friday, August 1, 2008
One of Those Days
Well, it all started with the fact that I went out last night. That is always a risky choice. Those of you with children will understand. I was out until 12:15am, asleep by 1am, and up at 6am with the baby. Let's be crystal clear. I am NOT one of those people who can thrive on only 5 hours of sleep. I can barely function on 5 hours of sleep. Don't ask how I managed to get 3 kids past their first few months. I have no idea.
The day started out okay. I had ingested enough caffeine to make me feel even somewhat energetic, and I ventured to face the world, dark circles and all. I should have known when my bank card didn't work at the grocery store that I should just go home, call a sitter and go back to bed. (If only that was a possibility!) The baby could not be more grumpy and needy than he is today, I am so tired I can't remember the older kids names, and there are at least 3 more hours before I can sleep. Mmmmmm... oh, sorry, nodded off there for a moment.
But even in this somewhat challenging day, there were shining moments. The baby and I watched, and participated in, the older boys Physical Theatre camp finale this morning. They danced, they sang, they jumped, they juggled. They became clowns, pigs, cats and birds. The baby watched intently as his older brothers and their classmates entertained us all. I watched. I video recorded. I even teared up a little.
And now my baby, who has not spent more than 2 minutes happy all afternoon, is sitting in his rocking chair making the sweetest little sounds. I will make it 3 more hours, and start it all over again tomorrow. Hopefully with more than 5 hours of sleep.
The day started out okay. I had ingested enough caffeine to make me feel even somewhat energetic, and I ventured to face the world, dark circles and all. I should have known when my bank card didn't work at the grocery store that I should just go home, call a sitter and go back to bed. (If only that was a possibility!) The baby could not be more grumpy and needy than he is today, I am so tired I can't remember the older kids names, and there are at least 3 more hours before I can sleep. Mmmmmm... oh, sorry, nodded off there for a moment.
But even in this somewhat challenging day, there were shining moments. The baby and I watched, and participated in, the older boys Physical Theatre camp finale this morning. They danced, they sang, they jumped, they juggled. They became clowns, pigs, cats and birds. The baby watched intently as his older brothers and their classmates entertained us all. I watched. I video recorded. I even teared up a little.
And now my baby, who has not spent more than 2 minutes happy all afternoon, is sitting in his rocking chair making the sweetest little sounds. I will make it 3 more hours, and start it all over again tomorrow. Hopefully with more than 5 hours of sleep.
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