Tuesday

Three years. Only three. Three whole years of a life.
How many petals of this life still to unfold. How many layers, how many colors and shades, dark and light, clear and blurred, joyful and painful.
If I had one wish to give her, it would be that she should be able to preserve a large measure of this joy, this wonder that she has in such profusion right now. Sure, you lose innocence. But then, is innocence such a terrible thing to lose? There's no earthly need to lose that wonder and joy in life, because life in its essence is more than worthy of all this wonder and joy.
May she keep it.
That is my wish for her.

One of the greatest gifts my own mother has given to me throughout life is to tell me time and again, at each new stage of each of our lives, that it just keeps getting better. She has shared her wonder and joy at each new stage of her own life (though my mother is a pragmatist, and she does not sugarcoat the harsh parts). She expresses her pleasure in life freely and clearly. That has given me something to look forward to - a reason to look ahead with joy and expectation. Thanks to her, I look forward to being 60 as much as I looked forward to being 30. That was a great gift that she gave me, one of the greatest, and I hope to pass that on to my daughter as well.

9 comments:

Kenza said...

Oh! Maia you got it so right! "Wonder" that is what makes life worth it, to see, to feel, to hear, all as if it was new every time. To love and laugh and cry sometimes, yet all with feelings and truthfulness. Yes "wonder" the spirit of life!
Thank you for this lovely lovely post!

Simply Mel {Reverie} said...

Maia ~
I know I've written this many times, but Q is one VERY lucky girl to have you as her mama! The perfect wish has been bestowed upon her, and I have a very good feeling that she will forever hold this wonder near and dear to her heart.

Happy 3rd Birthday Beautiful Q!

~Melissa

Yanyan said...

How beautiful you wrote, how moved I am... Much love to you and Qiu Qiu.

Yoli said...

You express yourself so beautifully. I hope one day you will write a book. This is one of your gems.

Loree said...

Oh I do so hope she will always feel the wonder, as I hope we all will. Your mother has taught you a wise lesson and one which I needed to hear. It is amazing what a lot of life's lessons you can learn by visiting someone's blog.

Fei An said...

Thanks Mia, for your quick comments:)
Your mom is truly inspiring... and the same you are!!! to me at least, of course, for sure, Q.!!! She will be so grateful to have a passionate loving, and wise mom as you are...
Yes, it is a wonder to see what 3 years can make things Happen...She is a such a wonder and miracle...I am deeply moved!!! Thanks for your lovely and lovely post...

Justine said...

Happy 3rd birthday to your little Q. Your words are really moving and she's so lucky to have great women in her family!
And thank you so much for your words on my blog

Mom-Friday said...

Such an inspiring post! these precious little ones really bring so much joy and meaning to our lives as parents. You are doing a wonderful job!
Belated Happy Birthday to Q!

Milla said...

Heartfelt words, and one of the best possible wishes a mother can give.

Your daughter's birthday party looks like fun!! Thanks for sharing!