Ep. 17: Where the Dolphins Roam

Dominic getting ready to jump a thousand times for a good cause.

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

"If you're going to Sea World by yourself, we're going to have to have a conversation."

That's what she said to the balding man, as we boarded the train that had just entered the station.

He replied with a halfhearted laugh; seemingly, slightly uncomfortable with the truth that his polite chuckle was veiling.

A moment before, as we waited on the platform, he was preaching the merits of tapping into your inner child, seemingly referring to how his children inspired him.

You could tell that he was giddy with sincerity—he honestly felt what he advocated, at least until the mean, old, most likely middle-aged and childless, lady crushed his enthusiasm.

We should let our children, both the inner and outer, inspire us. They truly make it easy for us; we make it hard for ourselves by imposing our adulterated agendas, our rules and regulations, all our shoulds and do nots.

Of course, all these measures are for good and they have been gleaned through a lifetime of mistakes and minding our own manners. But—that's a big-ass butt, qualifying caveat—every once in a while we've got to let it all go and embrace all that life has to offer.

Two examples have certainly inspired me lately.

Dominic, our 11 ("and a half" he will say) year old recently completed a crazy challenge to raise a little money for the American Heart Association. (Click! on the link if you are compelled to help Dominic become "a heart hero" by giving a little to help him help others).

About four or five weeks ago he asked me, "How many jump rope jumps must I make for you to donate $75 to the campaign?"

"A thousand," I spontaneously replied, half-believing he wouldn't accept the challenge, but half-hoping he might.

Well, he did and a little over a month later Dominic asked me to pay up. I gladly did so, not only because it was a healthy accomplishment, but also because he didn't let fear of failure or the inhibitions of what we might feel is impractical stand in his way. Instead, he simply pursued this crazy dream and did it. Yeah Dominic! You are my hero.

My second source of inspiration is Milo. Milo, Milo, Milo, oh Milo.

Although I have thousands of photos of our first-born to remind me (sorry Dominic), I must have a bad memory, because I simply don't remember Enzo or Dominic smiling and laughing and clapping as much as Milo does. He is simply an ever-rolling ball of genuine optimism and appreciation.

I try not to let how somber and sad; worn and weary we become as adults rein me in all-the-time. Instead, I do my best to let my happy baby and the other boys remind me that we must enjoy every moment, as if we had no where to go but to where the dolphins roam, no where to be but here and now, and nothing to hide.

Granted, it is far easier to advocate these platitudes than to live by them.

Nonetheless and allthemore, I say - go to Sea World by yourself if you want to—just don't wear a trench coat.

P.S. Inspired to live by my own words, instead of scurrying to the office from the station as I normally do, I stopped to smell the virtual flowers and stood to watch a fun video for a few whimsical minutes. Created in honor of Grand Central Terminal's centennial celebration, Grand Central Diary by Carolyn and Andy London is a funny, creative piece, seemingly inspired by a child's imagination. It can be viewed outside of the New York Transit Museum or online by clicking the link provided here.

Enzo, our oldest, just turned 14. 

Let's hope I can help him keep his inner child 

by being a little less parental, and little more permissive.