As any new parent, I’m feeling a little worn around the edges–exhausted, depleted, and discouraged.  So, I’m ready for our upcoming trip to the southern regions of this world where there are sandy beaches and ample sun and fabulous food.  It will be good for continued bonding with Liliana and good for the spirit (because, of course, I’m bringing lots of reading material).

I’m sure I’ve mentioned this in a previous post, but I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about what it means to be a parent–how you give and give and give, even when you think there’s no more to give.  How you have to lose everything you hold dear (or at least release it) to experience something precious with a child.  How it goes hand-in-hand with sorrow (and joy, but not always so you can remember it clearly).  How the only way you can make it through is to live day by day, hour by hour.

My friend Aimee sent me this poem “Kindness” by Naomi Shihab Nye about a week ago, and I have to say it hit the spot.  You can read it here.  I’ve always said to Dan that there is one word I want to represent how I live my life–kind, and I shall know I’ve lived my life well if those closest to me can say that I, indeed, was kind.

What’s the word that represents you, or what do you aspire to?