This past 4th of July weekend was one I won’t soon forget. My second niece was born on July 4th, just in time for the fireworks (I will obviously tell her that her gift from me is fireworks, and that the massive crowds are there to celebrate her birthday). She is delightful, adorable, and sweet, with a head of black hair. She is also the fifth girl in the family; I have two sisters, and now two nieces.
As I reflected on her dramatic entrance into the world, I reminded myself that babies are a new beginning. They don’t know good from bad, blue from green, or left from right. They must be taught all of those things, by both family and friends. As a good friend of mine once said, “Just remember that it takes a village to raise a child. They need a variety of people, each of whom has different experiences, knowledge, and personalities. Everyone has something to teach, and will impart their wisdom in a different manner.”
There is no doubt that I will rock her to sleep many a night, will help her learn to read and ride a bike, and will bravely offer to sit in the passenger seat when she gets her permit. I hope that my experiences will be beneficial to her either in that moment or in the future. Some things will be deep and important, others will be trivial, but no less important.
Thoughts for the latest addition to the family:
Always wear oversized sunglasses to prevent premature wrinkles due to squinting.
Be kind. You don’t know always know what other people are going through.
Studying abroad in college is one of the best decisions you can make.
Learning a second (or third) language is invaluable.
When you love someone, make sure you tell them.
Offer to run errands for you mom.
Listen when people are talking.
Brush your teeth often.
Read lots of books.
Wear mascara.
Travel.
Here’s to a new beginning, to a girl who, if her date of her birth has any influence, will be independent, will be a firecracker, and will always light up the lives of those around her.
~ C.
Fork & Flair 