3 GENERATIONS OF WOMEN

Day 3 – From the Goosepond to the Great Wall

Today three generations of women in my family  (strong women as my Mom would be sure to say) stood on the Great Wall of China.  Our roots lie in a rural community half a world away in southern Indiana that now is a protected Wetland called the Goosepond.  The house that I grew up in was where my mother grew up and my grandmother as well.  Just thinking about how far we have traveled in such a short time blows my mind.  I’m sure that our family isn’t that unique in the fact that each generation seems to push the boundaries a little further, reach a little higher, extend the circle a little wider.  It leaves me wondering how the generation behind us will stretch the possibilities for the path their lives will take, and the responsibility we have as parents to give them roots and wings.  Both are important.

As I watched my Mom climb the steps behind us and periodically stop to rest on a particularly vertical and rather intimidating stretch of wall,  I was reminded of the kind of mother I want to be for my girls.  It probably wasn’t Mom’s preference to follow us half way around the world to a foreign country where they eat noodles for breakfast and you have to BYOTP when you go out in public.  (For those of you not seasoned in the ways of the far east that means Bring Your Own Toilet Paper.  I’m not kidding.. ) We were determined to bring Hulaloo with us because if we were at home in the hospital, she would be in the midst of the excitement. This is a once in a lifetime adventure that a five year old will never forget. The life experiences we provide to her are way more important than any money spent on the latest trend in toys.  Mom offered to put aside any priorities or commitments at home (as well as any fears) and join us on the journey.  She has never complained and has jumped right in to help with Hulaloo in moments where we needed to focus on what the guide was saying to us to ensure we got to the right place with the right currency and paperwork.

And that’s the kind of wife and mom I want to be.  Whatever sacrifice it takes.  Whatever is needed.  I am ALL IN.  Unfortunately, I think I have a long way to go to work out my selfish tendencies. However, I am working on it! The best guide is a great example.  Thanks Mom!

Here are few pictures from the day:

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