So I was at the kitchen sink, scrubbing a frying pan, when I looked out the window and caught the figure of a gray cat, looking up into a tree. Since both Boo and Bailey are gray and the cat was near the back of the yard and facing away from me, I wasn't immediately sure which cat this was -- Boo...
...or Bailey:
As I looked at the gray cat staring up into the tree, I assumed it was Boo, and immediately thought to myself, 'That sly hunter! He's stalking his pray in the tree, calculating his next move... What a smart cat!'
As the cat turned toward me for a moment, I realized that it was actually Bailey and caught myself thinking, 'What a space cadet, staring up into nothingness like that! My god, what does go on in that airy little Bailey-brain?!'I was immediately ashamed, of course, and I couldn't help but wonder whether I'd done this to my KIDS at any point. If I had, surely that would have scarred them for life and I'd be guilty of horrible parenting filled with all the taboos -- stereotyping, favoritism, assumptions, and all those other travesties that lead to negative self-esteem, insecurity and... oh my god, a life of crime?!
Have a screwed these guys up for life? I simply can't bear the responsibility! Must I now reflect upon all those times that I might have treated them unfairly and not even realized it, skewing expectations and stereotyping my own children?
Oh my god, what have I DONE?!
Sigh.
On second thought, they seem pretty balanced to me -- and they certainly have each carved their own path with confidence and aplomb. They sure don't hesitate to be exactly who they are, no matter what any of the others -- or Tom and me, for that matter -- think of it.
I guess they'll be OK.
But it looks like it will take some major snuggle sessions to repair the damage I probably did to poor Bailey.
You're a great mom and I'm sure you didn't Boo & Bailey your kids. Hmmm but looking at the photo of the four of them, the girls are looking more outgoing and smiley than the boys.... (Only kidding.)
ReplyDeleteI can't help but think what Lilly said - those girls are going to take over the world. Of course, the boys can also take over the world in subtle, quiet ways! (And how did you get a photo with Peter smiling? Incredible.)
ReplyDelete