Always take Mom's Side

It was our last night in Indonesia. We had gone to see the Cekak dance at Oluwata Temple. It was dark and our first restaurant choice hadn't worked out.

We were driving back to the hotel in Sanor, trying to decide what to eat for dinner.  It would be close to 9:00 when we returned.

The kids were tired and hungry. Didn't make for a good combination. Katie wanted a special dinner on the beach.

Kendall complained how she just wanted room service.

I told the kids, this is our last night, let's have the driver drop us off at the beach and have a nice last dinner at a scenic view.

Kendall replied "You always take Mom's side, never the kids side."

Too which Katie replied "No he doesn't take my side"

Kendall then replied, "MOM, he ALWAYS does."

This scene just goes to demonstrate that Katie's perception of my actions is different than my intention (trying to support her). Kendall clearly picks up on this.

Like a fish in water

Walker swimming in a pool by himself is perhaps one of the purest forms of happiness you can find. He can swim, twist, sink and blow bubbles for hours without distraction. When he surfaces and checks for who is around him, he smiles and gives a thumbs up.

We can exercise in the pool or be still. Either way he is content.

I am writing this in Indonesia and Walker has recently turned 16. This isn't a new discovery, previous trips to pools (Costa Rica, Antigua, etc.) have all proven this out.

The time has really past for us to build a pool. There just aren't enough years left with him in the house to make it worthwhile.

But we should always seek a way to allow him this momentary break from the distractions of life. It is good for him, and simply by watching, good for me.