Snapshots

By Lana

To Justin, my son, on his six-month birthday:

Your short life has been an illumination, a revelation, a thrill, and Mommy wants to describe five images that represent you at this moment:

1. You're lying on the living room floor in the late afternoon and a golden glow streams in the window. You hold up your tiny hand and purse your lips as you study the shadow it casts. It reminds me to see beauty in stark simplicity.
2. You awaken from your afternoon nap with a lusty cry, which doesn't quell until I hold you in my arms, your red face softening as you snuggle into my shoulder. It reminds me that there's joy in giving comfort.
3. You roll onto your stomach and rest your head on the floor. Then you swiftly lift it, look me square in the eye and burst into a giant gummy grin, a bit of dribble running down the side of your chin. It's a smile that will forever melt your mother's heart.
4. You see Daddy come into the room and your eyes light up with anticipation. Wherever he moves, your eyes follow. When he plays with you, you throw your head back and giggle with glee -- a special laugh, just for him. It's a marvel to see the budding father-son bond.
5. You're feeding from my breast and your hand bats at my hair, my chest, my arm. My eyes had been on the TV and my mind had drifted off, but both were snapped back to you with your little gesture. It's a reminder to pay attention to what's important.

This is you, my son, frozen in time. Five snapshots. Thousands of words unspoken. A million thoughts, gestures and expressions. Infinite bits of humanity, which will continue to be revealed and interpreted as we grow and change together.

Lana is a 31-year-old freelance writer and new mom from Canada who sold all her stuff and ran off to Phuket, Thailand, five years ago.

Comments

[kara]

What a lovely and evocative post. I feel like you wrote this for me and my son as well as you and yours. Thank you.

[Robin P]

This is just lovely. It's amazing how children force us to focus on how precious things are. What would we ever do without them?
I can't believe it has been five months already! Time is sure flying!

[Nicola]

Beautiful. Truly beautiful. Save this for him to read when he is older. He will appreciate the magic in your words, and also the magic that his life has brought to yours.