When I was 15 years old, I learned to ski. My parents took me and two of my friends for a lesson. My dad decided he would give it a try also. I can still remember 15 year old me, giggling hysterically as my dad fell again and again. Yes, it amused 15 year old me, but I do remember thinking it was cool that he tried. Do you want to guess what my mom was doing while all of us took the lesson? She was taking pictures.
I love taking pictures. I take a ton of them. My son's childhood will be WAY more documented than mine was. I have a deep urge to document memories, and I hope when he is older that he will appreciate that about me. But, let me tell you what I also hope he appreciates and remembers about me... that I tried.
I want him to remember that I wasn't afraid to get dirty, to get wet, to get hurt, to make a complete ass of myself. I can wash my clothes. I can get dry. Bruises heal. Those people thinking I look like an ass are just jealous because I AM HAVING FUN.
Fun? Remember fun? Kids get it. They know that jumping in mud puddles, dancing in the rain, doing a cannonball into the deep end, and digging in the dirt is FUN. When did we forget? Snap a few pictures and then put down the camera and get wet. Get dirty. Make an ass of yourself. Your kids will love it. They might laugh at you outwardly, but inside they'll be thinking it's pretty cool that you tried. Those are the memories they'll love the most, and guess what? They'll be your favorite memories too.
