This re-post from 12/10 is dedicated to my beloved nephew Jeremy, because I miss him.
Jeremy and Auntie Robyn, Summer 2010
We work hard to shield kids from all things bad. In the process, though, we rob them of opportunities to learn to cope with adversity.
I wish I'd been taught that life's unfair, instead of being hit by pain time and again, completely ill-prepared.
I wish I'd been given an umbrella, one that I could use in the sun or rain.
I wish I'd been raised like my nephew, Jeremy.
On the first morning of my visit, Jeremy entered the guest room to announce, with arms outstretched in explanatory fashion, "It's a sunny day! It's a sunny day!"
"You're right, sweetie." I colluded with his denial, as rain continued pounding on the window panes. "It's a sunny day, Jeremy."
"Yeah," he sighed, plopping down beside me on the air mattress. "Rain is too scary." He shook his head from side to side. "It's dark. I don't like it."
"It is scary," I confirmed, wrapping my arm around him. "But today is a sunny day for us."
With that, Jeremy popped up and began jumping wildly on the mattress like a yo-yo on crack. "I'm a rock star! I'm a rock star!" He shouted. "Oh yeah! I'm a rock star!"
Mind you, the kid's growing up in L.A. where everyone and their i-Pod is a rock star. In fact, all inanimate objects suffer from some degree of rock stardom. Soda cans are labeled "rock star," chewing gum, gaudy sunglasses, and glittery T-shirts. You name it - all rockstars. None is quite like my Jeremy, though.
So when I called him to say "Happy Hanukah" last night, Jeremy told me that he got a Toy Story mm-brella for Hanukah.
"You got a Toy Story umbrella? That's very special," I assured.
"Yep. I used it today. 'Cuz it's raining," he said with excitement.
With his umbrella, Jeremy now welcomes the rain.
I hung up longing for the childhood in which I was given an umbrella, one that I could use in the sun or rain. I'm glad Jeremy has one.
Who wouldn't miss that little curly-head? Hope you get to see him soon, Robyn.
ReplyDeleteYour nephew is awesome! And I remember this post.
ReplyDeleteBut aren't our grown-up umbrellas all our friends (on Blogger or otherwise)?
ReplyDeleteThey keep us dry when we need it. They tell us we're "all wet" when we deserve it.
Go ahead, say it.
I should work for Hallmark.
We should all have small children in our lives to teach us what's important.
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ReplyDeleteKids really do see things differently and usually it's in a better way than adults.
ReplyDeleteThis story is amazing Robyn, especially hearing about him shouting out about being a rock star, that really is incredibly cute. He sounds like quite the special kid, let's hope you see him again soon, I don't like the rain either and love sunny days. I can empathise with him, haha!
ReplyDeleteWow, I love that 7 out of 7 of my first visitors were men. (I especially love you guys, too.) Jeremy's a doll. Isn't he? He's starting school and has grown a lot since the photo.
ReplyDeletexoRobyn
What a doll! I love the umbrella story--it's amazing how kids can see the world completely differently from day to day. It refreshes me, reminds me to look at things from a rock star's perspective, too.
ReplyDeleteKids are great. They look at everything simply.
ReplyDeleteHe's a cutie, Robyn.
Sounds like good times. Great repost that could go on for years to come.
ReplyDeleteNice story Robyn.. i remember that post from 2010.. i bet you miss him...
ReplyDelete:(
Umbrellas can be used as shield and sword. Everybody needs one!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely story. He sounds like a great character.
ReplyDeletenow that my friend, was a good story. And jeremy sounds like a super kid!
ReplyDeleteI think I too read this post. And commented on the gorgeous smile and hair too. Children are precious specially the ones who light up our darkest moments...I am never on time because of the 13 hr gap between our worlds. Sorry....
ReplyDeleteaw, robyn you look gorgeous in that photo! i love your hair!
ReplyDeleteand your nephew is really cute.
great story, jeremy sounds like a great character!
hugs
xoxo
Wonderful story!!!
ReplyDeleteI love that the umbrella proved to be so helpful!!!!
Darling picture.... very sweet!
ReplyDeleteLove the photo and he sounds great.
ReplyDeleteYour nephew is adorable! The umbrella story is a classic! He's so lucky to have his wonderful aunt documenting his finest moments! You are giving him the greatest gift! Julie
ReplyDeleteGreat post Robyn! Sounds like he is still full of wonderment! You know how my childhood went, so I'll stop here... Hope you are doing well!
ReplyDeletelovely story. Sounds like you have a great relationship with your nephew. God Bless both of you :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, everyone. I hope your week's been going well and that you're seeing sunny days (?) or, if not, you have a good umbrella.
ReplyDeletexoRobyn
There's something so exuberant and moving about the red of Jeremy's (and his auntie's!) hair. As to your childhood, your parents must have done a lot right, Robyn. Look at you!
ReplyDeleteThat's a beautiful post! Thanks for sharing it with us. :)
ReplyDeleteJeremy is adorable! I know what you mean about teaching kids about adversity. My parents told me nothing and I had to find out the hard way all the time. Now I have defense mechanisms galore. LOL Dr. Phil would love to get his hands on me . ;)
ReplyDeleteHmm....I think I remember this one. Your nephew is adorable, and you're an amazing aunt!! Some days I wish I could be a kid again. But then, I don't want to go through High School again. So it looks like I'm stuck. I'll just have to live through the little ones around me. :)
ReplyDelete