Just a few weeks ago I shared this image of my grandson in a post about refocusing. I have found that for me this is a favorite image, not just because it includes the Cutest Grandson in My World, but because of what he was doing and what we were doing when I took this. The Grandson was walking away from us, toward a new playground…new to him, testing his area of exploration, making sure that we were not far away, as we all kept a watchful eye on him.
I love that little foot lifted up, ready for the next step, the toy in his left hand, the cap on his head, that cute little diaper butt in blue jeans, and the set of his shoulders – ready to take on the world.
At the same time, there is a very bitter sweet moment of realization that he is growing up and moving on, becoming independent, learning about this wide, wonderful, sometimes dangerous but often amazing world. Those thoughts were mine as I watched our son and daughter grow, and to find them coming back in my life as a Grandmother was quite an experience.
Long ago I clipped an article from the newspaper, perhaps it was an Ann Landers column, that spoke of parenting. Kahil Gibran was quoted in this article, and the main idea of what he said has never left me, that our children are like “arrows you send forth…”. I leave you with his words.
Oh what a wonderful image – it really does tell the story doesn't it? And I love the processing as well. Great work.
Lovely photo for PHC. Its like he is starting down his path with great joy in his steps. Beautiful
Beautiful, Mom.
Every journey starts with just one step… wonderful image!
Deborah, I love your photo and your thoughts. That poem by Kahlil Gibran is one of my favorites. So much wisdom in those words!
That is such a sweet photo, he is gorgeous!
I love Kahlil Gibran, and what a darling photo of Little Britches
And so it begins…exploration, independence, testing the boundaries, with a watchful eye not too far behind. Fantastic photo and even MORE fantastic thoughts by you 🙂
such a wonderful image of your grandson. i just love the b/w processing and the quote is fantastic…thanks for sharing with us!
The Gibran quote is one of my favorites — my mother-in-law gave it to all of us when we had our firstborns. Children grow up so fast, and now the grandchildren are doing the same. I am trying to savor each moment with my grands. Love, love, love your image.
Love that image, so beautiful. Beautiful words to accompany it too.
Lovely image. Love your words and the poem too. It really struck a chord with me, it doesn't seem that long ago my daughter was taking her first few unsteady steps towards independence. You've captured this so beautifully.
Too adorable for words! The part I like the best is that little foot lifted up as he moves forward … so absolutely sweet and I feel like scooping him up for a big hug …. though would hate to disturb his intentions! Yes, that Gibran poem is beautiful. I love it too.
Adorable, he seems to be moving with such intention. I love the way you complsed the shot. – Susan
This is just precious!! So beautiful in black and white! You have such a talent for capturing and telling a story in you images!
You have captured, with a single image, the very essence of "grandson". I love this shot for each of the reasons you listed – for all the personality that is evident in this captured moment. And your words and the accompanying poetry are stunning in the way they delve into the emotion of motherhood and grandparenthood. Such a powerful post, connecting with each of our hearts.
this is such a beautiful post deborah..i love your words & those of Khalil Gibran too..thanks for sharing 🙂
What a gorgeous poem. I love the whole sentiment and hearing about your experience first as mother, then grandmother. THat was the most amazing thing to realize with my son, he was his own person from the very beginning and I am just charged with helping this person move along on his own journey, separate from mine. Thanks for the memory of that, and the beautiful image of your grandson, in the Photo-Heart Connection this month.
I like your story and picture so much.
What a sweet photo. I too love the lift of his leg, anxious to move forward and tackle his new world!
Oh wow this is so precious and thank you so much for the reminder of Kahlil Gibran's words; I love his work. Makes me want to find my books! I appreciate this all so much. I often wonder what it must feel like to finally be a grandmother… I look forward. Thank you for sharing this.♥
Thanks for giving me a chance to enjoy this moment….seeing and hearing what was in your heart.