WE ALL HAVE A PATH One thing I have learned from being a parent is that children are born with their own soul, their own mind, their own path to follow. I remember when Laura was born. It was a quick and intense 3 hour labor. Even though she was half Chinese, she was born blond, white skin, and had two of the biggest black pearls I had ever seen. She was quite solid on her legs at 3 months old. At 6 months old, she walked holding both my hands. At 7 months old, she held one hand, then one finger. She walked by herself at 8 months old. She was only 18 pounds and her head came just above my knee. She looked like a walking doll. Many Chinese people found it unnatural, unhealthy even. How could I allow such a small child to walk by herself so early on in life? I was often asked if it was a white thing to let my child walk so young. Many older Chinese people believe a baby should not be washed within 48 hours of their birth to give them a rest. They should not be exposed to the outside world for 30 days to build their immune system slowly. They should not be held upright for the first 3 months because their organs are small and fragile. Despite these peoples concerns, I washed my daughter after her birth, took her to the park 2 days after she was born, and let her bounce on my lap by 3 months old. Laura has lived with me from the moment she was born. She is now 14 years old. Three weeks ago, we moved to another city. She did not support this move as it was taking her away from her friends, her school, the community she knows. She told me she had the right to choose, to live her own life. Moving to Vancouver was not her choice. I heard her and respect her wishes. Today she is moving with her father. He moved back to Canada so she can remain in her school with her friends in the community she knows. As hard as it is to let her go, I remember this baby girl who defied the odds and walked by herself at 8 months old. She knows I am here for her. She knows I love her. Just like when she was very young, I do not need to hold on tight to her hand to know I am walking beside her. Are you willing to let your loved ones go and follow their own path? James LJ Hargis-Speaker Kaman Kwok-Speaker Gina Best-Speaker Annabel Fisher-Speaker Rhiannon Foster Speaker @DovBaron #authentic #speaker #academy for #leadership asaleadership
Posted on: Tue, 11 Nov 2014 19:03:06 +0000
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