“Initial resistance followed by full-on immersion”
This has been my Cash summation for as long as I can remember. Not unlike Dad, you are initially reluctant to try new things. With a scrunched nose and soured face, you predictably shake your head to whatever is being offered or required. I’ve laughed with your teachers over the years about this trait because it manifests at school as well, especially when it comes to group projects and collaborations. But proven time and again, your resistance will soften as you begin to enjoy what you are doing; many times fully immersed.
When Gail said she was going to take you kayaking in Lake Michigan, you can guess what your first reaction was. But since Gail already knows this about you — “Oh, I’ve got your card Cash” — she wasn’t deterred in the least. The first day the water was calm it was time for you to strap on your life vest: “Cash — we’re going kayaking!”
Grey and I watched as you got situated into your kayaks before giving you a hearty shove. Once afloat, Gail showed you how to sit with knees slightly bent, correctly hold the oar and which strokes change your direction. As anticipated it wasn’t long before your shoulders began to relax and you settled into the fun of it. It was then that Gail said, “We’re going this way Cash!”, leading you along the coastline, far enough away that I could no longer zoom in with my camera. Even from that distance though, I could still make out a smile.
At one point you parked your kayaks in the shallow water and let the wakes caused from a passing Jet Ski rock you from side to side. Reclining, legs stretched out in front of you, you appeared rather relaxed; that is until the wakes caused your kayak to take on water. “Gail! Help! Water is getting into my kayak!”
Gail calmed your rising panic and in no time had you heading down the coastline in the opposite direction. By now Grey, Pow Pow and I were watching from the pool deck, waving and cheering you on. It makes me happy to see you enjoying something new, something you initially balked at; it’s all about pushing through that initial resistance.
Of course it doesn’t always happen this way — you tried iFly indoor skydiving for the first time this week which didn’t really vibe with you — but you were willing to give it a shot which was more than I could ask for.
And Grey Grey, I know you were really disappointed you didn’t get to try kayaking. But next summer, when you are a little bit taller and wee bit heavier, you’ll get your chance out on the lake — fully immersed in joy!
I love you! Always and forever, Mom