Alone among the crowds
Toronto, ON, December 2010
[Please click here to share your curved vision]
The dad in me always wants to view the world through our kids' eyes. And if I can't precisely accomplish this, I at least hope to get the occasional peek over their shoulder. Not because of any Big Brother-ish intentions, but because seeing things as they see them is good for the soul. It teaches us about the things that really ought to matter, because kids have a neat way of cutting through the clutter and figuring out what's really important, and why.
On this morning, I found myself walking a few steps behind our youngest son. We were heading to Florida on vacation, and he was about to board a plane for the first time. We had already talked extensively about the theories of flight and walked through what he would expect as the plane started its takeoff run.
He's a smart, insightful, thoughtful kid, so I knew he understood the theory implicitly. But he's still a little boy, and it was hard to tell, as we walked back to meet the rest of the family, whether he was just a little scared by the adventure that was about to begin. The very big airport filled with lots of strangers surrounding him seemed to be the perfect context for the day - and for this photo. As I tripped the shutter, I found myself wishing he'd always have all the help he needs to navigate whatever curves life throws at him.
Your turn: What's he thinking?
Well said, Carmi! I feel the same way about kids being able to cut through the clutter. Today's airports are overwhelming to adults. So, I can only imagine what your son thoughtabout this giant place. An adventure!
ReplyDeleteHe's probably trying to take in everything around him (is that a toy plane hanging in the distance?) and hoping that you all get to the plane and it takes off on time!....oh please just get me to the beach!!!
ReplyDelete"Let's go, Dad!!"
ReplyDeleteHe is thinking " I KNOW he's gonna take a pic of me from behind!"
ReplyDeletewhat a great adventure!
ReplyDeleteThis picture reminds me of when my children used to fly to stay with my parents for the summer. At around age 8 I would pack them up and send them off (with a stewardess escort). When I would pick them up, their eyes would be so big from the adventure of flying and eager to tell us all about their trip.
ReplyDeleteThey were still little kids partaking in a big kids adventure. This shot brought back some wonderful memeories:-)
He's thinking, "Where can I plug in my game boy charger?"
ReplyDeleteThat fantastic! realy! these website is way better then everything I ever saw.
ReplyDeleteaww.. this is so beautiful... kids are the portal into to all things uncorrupted (most kids lol)
ReplyDeleteI still find crowded airports a little scary, even at 44 ;-)
ReplyDeleteGreat shot, Carmi.