just say yes

This was such a big day for Noah and it happened months ago. I wanted to write about it right away but then I got busy with this. And this. And then there were events that were ENDING SOON and I just had to share those too.

So here it is.

I had been eagerly awaiting the opening of Jane’s Carousel, named for the artist Jane Walentas – who, with her husband, bought it at an auction in 1984. A historic carousel built in 1922, Jane spent close to 30 years painstakingly restoring it to its original condition. I had seen some pictures of her work as it progressed and it looked amazing. In addition, the carousel was slated to make its permanent home in a glass pavilion designed by the gifted architect Jean Nouvel.  I could just picture this vintage carousel, in a sleek glass box, perched on the edge of the East River between the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges.

I picked a mild and sunny Thursday to take Noah.

carousel, brooklyn bridge park, DUMBO, jane's carousel

I was so excited just approaching the pavilion.

And Noah was excited too – he ran in and went right up to the glass panel to watch.

He had me pick him up and walk around so he could get an even closer look at the magnificently restored horses.

But when I suggested we take a ride, the answer was a firm, “No”.

I had a feeling this would be the case – my once fearless and eager-to-try-anything boy was showing a little more trepidation these days. A little more reserve. And yet I could see that he SO wanted to do this. So we watched for a while. We walked around the outside. I even bought our tickets and carried him over to the entrance. But each time he said, “No”.

Yet he didn’t want to leave. And I didn’t want to give up. So in one of those rare “Mom” moments of clarity, I suggested we sit in one of the chariots, thinking he would feel more contained and secure. And miraculously he said, “Yes”!

But I wasn’t out of the woods yet. Yes, he climbed in and sat right down.

But does this look like a happy face?

His hand firmly on my leg, we started. And while he never shrieked with glee – and was certain that he didn’t want to go around for a second time – I could tell that he was glad that he did it. I was SO proud of him and told him as much.

I spent the rest of the morning watching him explore the rocks around the water’s edge and chase pigeons (there were lots of shrieks now!). And as I watched, I really had to marvel at what it took this barely-three-year-old to put aside what were clearly some big fears, and just say “Yes”.

I thought about all fears he had yet to face in his life. And I thought about my fears – both big and small – and what it would take for ME to put them aside. Or even banish them completely, like my brave boy did. With no bribes. No cajoling. No reward.

We finished our morning with a nice little lunch in DUMBO and headed home.

Facing your fears can be exhausting.

There are truly no words for how over-the-moon in love I am with my little guy.

 

http://janescarousel.com/index.php

http://www.brooklynbridgeparknyc.org/

 

 

16 Comments

  1. Jackie Binstock on January 26, 2012 at 11:38 am

    Sheri, I had tears in my eyes reading this. What a beautiful teachable moment. I am so proud of Noah, and wished I showed that kind of fortitude too.

    • sheri silver on January 26, 2012 at 11:58 am

      Thank you Jackie – isn’t it just the best when your children teach YOU? 🙂

  2. Hotly Spiced on January 26, 2012 at 5:17 pm

    I love it when you give them such a great day out that they fall into a coma during the car trip home. What a beautiful carousel. They so remind me of Mary Poppins.

    • sheri silver on January 26, 2012 at 8:24 pm

      It was truly magical – especially the juxtaposition against the bridges! And yes, love the “car sleep”! 🙂

  3. Jenna Christopherson on January 26, 2012 at 5:27 pm

    Sheri, once again you’ve done it! This is such a beautifully written post, I, too, had tears running down my face reading it. Have you considered writing a book? You are such a gifted writer and I love writing your posts. I am sure many would love reading a book by you, too 🙂 Hope you’re having a lovely day and thanks for the beautiful post 🙂

    • sheri silver on January 26, 2012 at 8:28 pm

      Jenna – thank you (as always!) – I have not EVER thought about a book – so I am beyond flattered by your words. Thank YOU for always taking the time to read and comment – it really means the world to me!

  4. Jenna Christopherson on January 26, 2012 at 5:28 pm

    Oops – meant to write “reading” your posts and not “writing” — I wish I could write like you!

    • sheri silver on January 26, 2012 at 8:29 pm

      Ha! Oh, and do you know my husband Mike? I was so blown away by your comment that I showed it to him just now (I’m such a geek!) – and he told me he knows you! I had no idea!

  5. Jenna Christopherson on January 27, 2012 at 4:48 pm

    Hi, Sheri! I DO know Mike! I learned about your blog through him, actually posting a link on FB 🙂

    Many moons ago I used to work in AR on behalf of MSFT and we worked together! I always enjoyed Mike’s sense of humor and he was so nice to work with! We’re now FB friends 🙂 My son, Aaron, is five months older than Noah so it’s always fun to see what Noah’s been up to.

    I really think you should write a book! I really enjoy your posts (I’ve shared your blog with friends and they, too, are hooked!) so there are many others who would jump at the chance to read your book(s) 🙂 Hope you’re having a great day!

    • sheri silver on January 27, 2012 at 9:30 pm

      I had NO idea – so glad I showed Mike that comment! Seriously, thank you so much for your lovely note. It is BEYOND gratifying to hear that you feel that way about my little blog, as I truly had no idea what I was doing or where it would go. There are so many days where I wonder if anyone is even reading it! So thank you so, so much!

  6. Jenna Christopherson on January 27, 2012 at 4:50 pm

    PS – So NOT geeky at all, btw 🙂 I would have done the same thing!

    • sheri silver on January 27, 2012 at 9:27 pm

      🙂

  7. Jenna Christopherson on January 28, 2012 at 1:05 pm

    Anytime! I’m so glad Mike shared your blog when it debuted 🙂 I know for a fact there there are many people in Seattle who read your blog and love it! So thank you, again, for blogging and sharing with all of us 🙂

    • sheri silver on January 29, 2012 at 10:34 pm

      Well thank YOU for sharing me! 🙂

  8. Sherri on January 29, 2012 at 12:08 am

    Oh, this had me teary…what an amazing mom you are to give him the time and space to grow and try things on his own, in his own way.

    • sheri silver on January 29, 2012 at 10:33 pm

      Thanks so much for your note – it’s been so long since I had a little one that I forget how very big each step is for him.

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Hi! I'm Sheri!

Welcome to my little corner of the web where you’ll find easy, delicious recipes, the best kitchen hacks and simple tips for turning your home into a clean haven that is free of toxins. So glad you’re here!