In more ways than one
this photograph is a self portrait. There is the obvious reflection of myself
in her shades, but this kid is a reflection of me in almost every way.
This is my only full
day home without a to-do list so I opted to spend it with my 6 year old niece.
We made a whole day of it. I picked her up just before lunch and we hit the
park with one of my other nieces, Murphy. She’s a 1 year old puppy but still as
much fun as the girls. This was by far the best way to spend my time at home.
After the park we
went back to Grammy’s house and helped Grampy clean out his van, then rode
bicycles outside. After that we made bracelets and necklaces for ourselves and
her uncles and daddy and Grammy and Grampy. A full day, but all of it was
active and creative and learning and exploring. She is a mini version of me in
looks and thoughts and humorous moments.
Her version of bike
riding is different than mine. The bike she has here is a bit too big for her,
so she requires an adult (usually her dad) to hold the seat and run alongside
her while she peddles. Well, Aunt Ria don’t play that game. So to save myself
the extra cardio I taught her to brake and stop the bike by herself. First we
practiced in the grass, while I was holding the seat so she could react to the
stopping motion before hitting the ground. Once she got used to putting her
foot on the ground when she wanted to stop I let go and she practiced without
me holding her. She landed well, on her tush and told me she was tough and got
back up. Then we practiced on the road so she knew what to do if a car was
coming. She kept asking, “If I get it right this time can you get Grampy’s bike
and just ride beside me?” So eventually she got it down enough to be able to
ride all by herself. We did laps around the block; she took direction very well
for an energetic 6 year old. After a couple turns, we were riding next to each
other, she looks over at me with her pink Barbie princess helmet on and says,
“Best.
Day. Ever!”
She was right. I could have just frozen that moment. Being an Aunt doesn't get
much better than that.
BTW’s
the interview went great! I gave them the most professional relaxed version of
me I could. Also, Mom’s home from the hospital so all is good.
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