Super Heroes

(double click images to enlarge but.... I typed it too!)

Cobb Mountain June 29, 2013

Dear Renie, Avery and Skylr, 

I started to write this letter on my last day of Noble Silence (my retreat). There was a long intro that I'm going to skip but basically it said that I had some realizations during the retreat and here are some thoughts I had about your superpowers (and of course this is from my perspective)

Renie Joie, you were born with super powers: super-aware and sensitive.  Born feet first, eyes wide open, not crying, just observing all around you. Perfect little Renie was a good girl, liked to follow the rules and be praised for doing a good job. Loving, caring and always ready to be patient.  Homework was often hard for you so you developed one of your greatest superpowers: determination.  Whatever you put your mind into, you certainly accomplish.  As every super hero with super powers does, you have your weaknesses.  Two that I see pop up are: 1) deep attachment to some things… you have a hard time letting go and this can cause you misery for years! (i.e. a stolen shirt, a broken car, etc.)  The other is deep aversion for things that are entirely out of your control.  No need to go into deep explanations, it makes you angry if it is a cold day.  Not logical, but it happens.

Avery March, one of your superpowers became obvious at birth too.  You were born practically by yourself.  No help needed, just someone to catch you.  Fiercely independent, able to figure things out on your own, plowing through school, sports, moving abroad, choosing a husband with poise… not necessarily inner confidence but your sheer boldness shoots out as if you knew exactly what you are doing.  It doesn't matter whether you believe it or not…EVERYONE around you thinks you do. And it's helped by your sharp intellect.  I think you can connect the dots and compute faster than anyone I know.  Your kryptonite is your volatility, those changes of heart.  One day you love with passion and other you hate with passion.  Or it can happen with your mood.  One moment you are exuding joy and the next you'd like the world to end NOW!  Another of your weakness is your fear of failure.  You want to keep your appearance just right.  You wrote a script for yourself: I am this, that and the other and you'll die to keep up with this.  Let' call it super-arrogance.  But underneath that, you keep your other superpower: you have a heart of gold.  Underneath the tumultuous zippy energy, your love and compassion for all around you is deeply felt.  And we, your family, always "feel the love" Oh yeah!

Skylr, you were as unplanned as Avery and Renie were.  Once I got over the surprise and the first three months of pregnancy, we were very much nurturing each other.  I was worried that the initial reaction to this surprise under dire circumstances (Papi and me not getting along) would make you an upset and cranky baby but just the opposite happened.  You popped out surrounded by love and you smiled.  Smiley should have been your name.  I couldn't have asked for a happier and more content child.  You were a gift, still are, with the super power of equanimity.  The way you see things devoid of drama and extreme emotion is uncanny.  The time this power showed through the most was when you found Papi and how you handled it.  You have the greatest sense of balance.  We admire you, not to mention how you step in the rink, so cool, calm and collected.  Then, add to that the power of charm.  You are sweet, joyful, courteous.  Everyone falls in love with you quite easily because you exude sweetness.  Your Achille's tendon may be your lack of discipline.  Your volition is there, your intent clear, but it gets forgotten, dissipated unless you have a whip striking behind you.  You can be the king of procrastination, unless you have a Papi or Kru or a strong male coach. 

Renie Joie, Avery and Skylr… you are amazing people.  I am so proud! You are my heroes.

with love Mami 2013