Happy Belated Father’s Day…
Grace Geller on July 8th, 2010
My husband and I sat under the shade of our beach umbrella enjoying the quiet sounds of the surf. The man adjacent to us was quietly moving through his asana and meditation. As the world began to wake up, families claimed their areas of the beach. Slightly in front of us a young family put down their blanket and arranged their gear. The mother and her new infant daughter cooed contently to each other.
The dad organized the blanket and then tended to their son. He gently, yet thoroughly, applied sunscreen; adjusted his young son’s sunglasses and then stood back. The young fellow (around three years old) sprinted toward the shoreline. The father continued setting out needed items, while keeping a close eye on his son.
An older lady walking along the shore became concerned about the young boy seemingly by himself. She began to approach the boy, and the father signaled that he was being watched. The older lady waved and walked away. The dad continued to watch the boy as he cautiously approached the water. The young lad was not a daredevil. After allowing his son a little more freedom, the father went to the shore and encouraged his son into the surf. The father placed himself about three feet off shore and turned to watch his son as the boy raced the waves back and forth to the shore.
This man understood the importance of giving his son the appropriate freedom to test out his abilities, while under the watchful eye of someone who loved him. Notice, I said appropriate. He did not sit on the blanket and ignore his son; he watched the entire time and only interceded when he became alert to a possible danger or in the event his child needed more help. In this case the boy was not moving ahead with his play. He was stuck in his own fears. In order to move to the next level of play he needed his father closer. Sensing this his father approached the water allowing the boy to fully engage in his water play.
The father went back to the blanket to check on his wife and their infant. He sat down and suggested she go play with their son in the surf, which she happily agreed to. The newborn had drifted off to sleep and her father took out his video camera and filmed her as she slept.
As the sun grew higher in the sky the infant began to fuss. The mother tried to comfort her, but when it became obvious the baby was uncomfortable they gathered their things and left the beach.
Often I find myself telling you there are no perfect families or marriages but I want to remind you there are idyllic family moments. Those times when we are guided by our love for each other, when we put way our own selfish wants and needs to care and nurture each other. On that day, at that point of time that family got it! Together, they were the perfect balance of nurture and strength.
I don’t know who these people are but I predict a beautiful future for all of them.
Peace and Light,
Grace
