On my computer desktop I have a picture of my granddaughter Olive whose gleeful face always puts me in good cheer. MY NEW YEAR’S resolution? To be more like Olive. Trusting, fun and loving. What a wonderful way to live life.
Most Thursdays I serve as Louise and Nick’s baby-sitter up in Lawrence. I leave at dawn to get there by the time they head to their respective jobs and most nights stay over, returning to Iola Friday mornings.
My life with Olive revolves around playing, eating, reading stories, taking an afternoon run on the nearby bike path while Olive naps in the stroller, going to the grocery store, and a periodic swipe with a dust mop when (if) she naps.
I call it my sanity day.
Olive has taught me some life lessons.
• Always be up for fun. If you want to connect with a child, let go of your inhibitions. They thrive on craziness.
• Be open to love. Close the computer. Turn off the TV. And look your loved one in the eyes and say those three simple words that can help carry the weight of the world off someone’s shoulders.
• Be intentional. I’m embarrassed to admit it, but I see Olive in Lawrence more often than I see any other friends or relatives right here in town. The time is blocked out on my calendar and it takes a VIP meeting to get me to cancel. Visits don’t “just happen.” If a relationship is important, then make it a priority by scheduling time together.
• Time is a wastin’. By evidence of her picture, Olive is growing up fast. Every week I marvel at how she’s grown. Don’t wait to be with someone special.
• Teach your child the world is a wonderful place by being in awe of its bounty. Take them outside — a lot — to experience bright blue skies, clean air, rivers, mountains and fields. We don’t know how lucky we are to be in an area where the outdoors is so safe and accessible. Teach your children to love being outside doing healthy activities by doing it with them. That’s a win-win.
• Children are innocence incarnate. Protect it. When we play hide-and-seek, Olive knows I’m just around the corner, and I’ll never disappoint. When she wakes up from her nap, I’m there the minute she calls out “Mimi.” These actions reinforce trust. Olive is growing up knowing she is in a safe world and will be well taken care of. That knowledge allows her to be confident, happy and loving.
• Be a sponge and take to learning like a child. Value education. As “mature” adults, we know continued learning is one of the secrets to youth. Learning new things prevents the brain from rusting to a halt. I marvel at how quickly Olive picks up new words and ideas. We can read ’til the cows come home and she’s always up for “one mo.” That love of learning helps us grow into interesting people.
Life lessons from a 1-year-old
