Patience

I am sitting here watching the teenage girl across the street back her mom's car out of the garage. She is obviously new to being behind the wheel, and is quick on the gas and brake. Her mother, pretending to tend to her gardening, looks on in amusement. Although I can't see her face, I am sure there is a wince there as the young girl grinds the gears. The girl steps out of the car and both mother and daughter start giggling about the situation. As I sit here watching them with a smile on my face, in awe at how cool and calm the mother is, I can't help but wonder how I will react when Sophie gets older and starts trying out new things. Will I be as patient and easy-going? Or will I be frustrated and short? I am hopeful that I can look back on my own first experiences, remember how challenging the world can be when you are learning, take a deep breath and not sweat the small stuff. Because ultimately, even though the car across the street may need a new clutch and brake pads in the near future, that's a small price to pay for fond memories of the giggles shared over the new adventure.

-jl