Thursday, June 9, 2011

Daddy's perspective

When I was a young teenager, we had a Sunday School lesson where I first heard the phrase "you can't see the forest for the trees." I remember our somewhat rowdy group of about 8 boys and 3 girls looking at the teacher like she was from Mars. That statement just did not make any sense to our adolescent minds. A few weeks later, the other boys and I were on a backpacking trip in the forested mountains of north central Washington and I thought I finally understood what the phrase meant - sometimes you can't see the whole forest because the trees in front of you get in the way. I have since come to find that time and experience provide perspective, and perhaps wisdom in understanding the meaning behind this phrase.

Oftentimes we get caught up so much in the minutiae of life, that we fail to see the big picture. Life, though, is comprised of the little details. We need to take time to look at the forest and the individual trees. Today was filled with trees.


Clara was unhooked from her IV and her morphine drip for a solid hour this morning and she was THRILLED! She walked to the physical therapy gym, spent time in the gym throwing toys around and picking them up, playing basketball, climbing stairs, throwing balls, etc. It was heaven for this little girl who has been confined to a bed for much of the past 2+ weeks.

After PT, we returned with Clara to her room. Okay, we tried to return. She wanted to walk the halls, ride in the little coup car, and go with daddy to switch the laundry to the dryer. As soon as I opened the washing machine, Clara said "my turn" and proceeded to pull her blankets and clothes out of the washer and throw them in the dryer, which she followed by saying "I did it." This was the highlight of my day. Watching a 2 year old play and help with chores. Certainly not what I had in mind after graduating from college and finishing a master's degree, but I wouldn't have it any other way.

8 comments:

Dlovesocks said...

It's great that she's able to enjoy some normalcy through everything she's been going through. Especially that she feels good enough to run, and jump, and play! You go, Clara! You continue to be in my prayers!

Kati said...

Sounds like she had a great day. This post brought tears to my eyes. Clara and your whole family are in our prayers.

Alicia Leppert said...

Such a lesson in perspective. Thanks for the reminder to appreciate the little things, especially when it comes to family. I think so many of us are learning from your experience. I know I am. Great post. :)

Becky Kornell said...

I love following your blog! My husband is friends with Chelsea's husband, Kyle. Thinking of your family and sweet Clara everyday! Thanks for the updates. She is such a doll! :o)

Kris said...

This is such great news and a wonderful post. I love that she got to move and play like 2 year olds should. She and your family continue to be in our prayers!

Lovely Lindsay said...

thank you for this.
i have sort of been feeling like the 'trees' didn't really matter when all i could see in front of me was the big picture. the little things do matter. and they are important.
+++
so much love to the woodward family.
love, lindsay

Krista said...

Thank you for that perspective, Brian. It's a miracle that Clara is up and playing now, when two weeks ago, she could barely open her eyes.
On a lighter note, Kate, after her stunning dance performance tonight, said, "Nana, everybody was taking pictures of me". She didn't seem to think that there were 20 other sets of parents getting pix of their children. Tonight, she was the forest. Both girls are so darling.

Cajsa said...

So great to hear dad's perspective too. As a mom sometimes I forget their is a dad's point of view (or maybe I don't want to hear dad's point of view...ha ha). You guys are great. We pray for your family daily.