Celebrating the Ordinary – Seventh Day
In extraordinary times, the ordinary takes on a glow and wonder all of its own. Mike Lancaster
The final day of Marie’s challenge dawns upon us. I’ve thrived throughout this exercise of paying tribute to the ordinary in our lives, in these times that truly are astonishing. Eye-popping, even.
Today I feature my oldest son at 3 at the Oakland Zoo in California.
Nothing is as thrilling as being lifted by Grandpa!
Now I’m smiling because my baby brother is sleeping and I have Mom all to myself.
I love this ride. I can drive my own car without having to pay for loans, registration, maintenance and insurance.
Mom and I get to ride a horse that goes up and down. Hope I don’t get too dizzy. (Oh the joy of a carousel ride! This little boy’s great grandpa used to restore carousel horses for the City of Rochester, NY during the depression. He never lacked for work during that time.)
Aren’t giraffes crazy looking? How come his legs are so spread out? Does his neck ever hurt from straining so much?
And how about those tortoises? They may be slow, but, my, are they big!
And finally, the petting zoo, where I can beg Mom to buy food for these starving animals. How different this guy feels from the bunny fur and scratchy beard in “Pat the Bunny” that Mom reads to me every night at my insistence.
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These had to be some of the happiest times of my life, when wide-eyed boys viewed the most ordinary as a miracle, when my parents were alive to witness it all. It’s been a pleasure to feature an extraordinary little boy awed by a world made wondrous by those who create zoos.
May we never lose that sense of wonderment!
Aw Jan, what beautiful memories – thanks for sharing them with us x
Thank you ever so much, Marie! You inspired it all. xox
Aww, so sweet! Little kids and zoos are a great combination; my kids & I have spent many happy days watching the animals. Pat the Bunny is an old favorite, too!
You are right, Nancy. There really is something special about kids and zoos. Isn’t it fun to glide through the memories? Thanks for your visit. xx
Jan,
I loved seeing these photos of you and your son. How precious those times are. Reminds me about a story I heard on the news, today. A local family lost everything last night when their house burned to the ground. The mother was particularly grief-stricken about losing the family photos. I’ve often thought that my dogs and my photos would be the first things I’d grab if I had to flee the house. I pray neither of us ever has to do that.
XOXOXO,
Brenda
Those times truly are precious, Brenda. My current project is to scan into my computer most photos from my albums and make backups. Then if there is ever a fire, I would grab my external drive. No way would I want to lose those invaluable memories. I feel so sorry for that woman in your community. Thanks for stopping by. xx
These memories in photos with your son are beautiful. Thank you for sharing your celebration with us.
Thank you very much, Susan, for your thoughtful comment. The memories are priceless. xoxo
Still catching up on my “challenge” reading…these are wonderful pictures and commentaries. Thanks for sharing them. I love when the memories of “back then” pop in…a treasured gift indeed!
It’s quite a challenge just to catch up with the “challenge” reading, isn’t it, Lori? Thanks for your feedback on my post. Memories of those “good ole days” are definitely a treasured gift! xox
i have been thinking a lot about this era in my sons’ lives and how wonderful it was (sniff!). Gorgeous photos!!
Liz, yes, how we store up in our hearts these precious seasons of joy and wonder, seeing the world through the eyes of a child! Thanks for your kind comment. xox
Jan,
Aw, thanks for sharing such wonderful photos and memories. Childhood is such a wondrous time and sharing it with grandparents is such a gift.
You are so welcome, Nancy. Childhood experiences are magical. And those times with grandparents? Priceless. Thanks for visiting. xox
I love learning about your grandfather’s work restoring carousels during the Depression. And seeing the beautiful photos of you and your son…boys are so wonderful…I’m partial ’cause I have one too.
Thank you for your kind comment, Kathleen. Boys really are magical, and I’m grateful for each one. xox