Together, We Crawl

I see myself in you these days.

You recently found your legs. Discovered that moving those chubby little appendages can propel you forward…even lift you up. And that objects across the room are no longer inaccessible. They’re now goals. Worthwhile reasons to embark on another adventure on hands and knees.

I’d been doing the same.

Over the past few years, I’d been rediscovering my own legs. Life had kicked them out from under me again and again, and, each time I rose up to face it again, I’d just topple over. Eventually, I realized I was trying to walk before I’d relearned how to crawl. The legs that once felt unshakable were not ready to hoist me up. It would take time, patience, perseverance, and faith that the people and props around me were specifically placed there to support me. Not harm me.

And it took discovering that falling was more than inevitable. It was necessary. Beneficial. Falling gave me another moment to work those muscles that would eventually lift and move me…when they were ready to do so.

And today, you and I are learning, and relearning, side by side. Together, we’re crawl and even trying to walk. And I thank you, son. There’s no greater gift this Father’s Day than to crawl next to you.

I love you.

-Dad