I was reminded of this concept yesterday. My friend Heather of Hathor the Cowgoddess (great mom comics) came up with it a few years ago.
I was at the local free clinic for a checkup. We recently signed up to be patients at this great small clinic that offers free (yes free) health care for non-insured peeps in our zip code. I can ride my bike there easily, and the staff we've met so far are really nice. I feel blessed. Anyway, Connor and I were there on Thursday waiting for his appointment: talking about video games and salamanders, playing word games, thumb wrestling. The next day when I went back for my appointment, the very pregnant young lady at the front desk said "It was sweet watching you and your son yesterday."
I imagined that she knew she was having a boy, and that she was happy to see a mom and son relating in a playful, loving way. It showed her a possibility.
I remember how I was hungry for role models when I was a new mom. I studied families in grocery stores, on the bus, etc. trying to figure out how I wanted to be, what the options were. I gravitated toward engaged, peaceful people (with tattoos and cool clothes, I will admit). So glad I found some to help me on my parenting path. Recently I'm studying moms of pre-teens and teens - a new horizon.
As Gandhi said "Be the change you want to see".
Happy Summer Solstice!
Jen
