Wednesday, January 4, 2012

a long way, baby

Hummus Girl returned to preschool today with a heart full of excitement and hugs for every thing that moves.  For months now, all five of us have schlepped into the building to pick her up (daddy drops her off), me wearing Shu in the hip carrier, a life-saver loan from a friend who adopted from China way back when.  Right before Thanksgiving, I made the mistake of thinking I could set him down on the floor next to me, rather than wear him.  The waiting area for the parents is very small and not at all crowded.  Shu went nuclear.  Blood-curdling, ear-piercing, cat being murdered...whatever descriptor best conveys the most ghastly screaming sound you can imagine.  I was embarrassed.  I was angry.  And yes, I also felt awful that Shu still felt so unsafe and I didn't know it.  After he thrashed around on the floor a bit, I finally picked him up, though he didn't really stop crying.  It was one of those low, low parenting moments where you wonder just what kind of desperate horror is evident on your face, and are sending out silent pleas like radio waves--don't judge me, don't judge me.

Fast forward to today. 

Shu wanted down.  He wanted to walk.  Into the building, down the hallway, even right into Hummus Girl's classroom.  Weaving his way through small children and their parents, not holding my hand, happy as a clam at high tide.  (Yeah, that's the full phrase...which makes sense, right?  Why else would clams be so happy?) 

You've come a long way, baby boy.
As you learn more and more how God works, you will learn how to do your work. We pray that you'll have the strength to stick it out over the long haul—not the grim strength of gritting your teeth but the glory-strength God gives. It is strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy, thanking the Father who makes us strong enough to take part in everything bright and beautiful that he has for us.        Colossians 1:10-12 (The Message) 

8 comments:

Rita and John said...

Oh, Jerusha! What an amazing moment for you and for Shu! Hurrah!

Krissy said...

Independence is an amazing thing shu!

Krissy said...

Independence is a beautiful thing shu!

Amy said...

New year, new Shu!! :) I'm so happy for you & your family!! That's just awesome news!

a blog full of weldons. said...

what a beautiful description of the change that takes place! love it! love him!

D said...

Oh what joy hearing that news brings to us! Free at last. . . free at last
thank God almighty. . .free at last!

D & M

Johanna said...

Thank u. I needed this post and verse this morning. So thankful for how far previous Shu has come!! Clinging to that verse with u!!!

Johanna said...

Supposed to say "precious" Shu! Lol