A few weeks ago, Sam and I were having lunch. We were talking about language, names, etc. As he shared about his desire for his 2nd kid's name to have great meaning, he said that he felt like Jocie really "lived up to her name" - Joy.
I got to have the great honor of watching her the other day. It was probably one of the most heart warming days I've had in awhile. My last few days of employment were filled with some rather questionable conversations that happened behind my back. Things didn't exactly end quietly so I needed some peace away from work or even throwing things away from work.
So I asked Carol about taking Jocie out. I was in for a day filled with positivity. So I got Jocie around 11am. The day started off with her huge smile and hug. She showed me her favorite Kung-Fu panda move - the butt thrust. She had a cute exchange with Carol of "See you later, Alligator. In awhile Crocidile." As we left, even though Carol couldn't hear her, Jocie waved bye and said, "Bye Mom, I love you." Something cool about seeing kids express love to their parents.
We went off to visit Jim and Gretchen. As we were driving she goes, "I like Gretchen. I like Jim." After getting a flower from Jim, she proceeded to stuff it in people's faces for them to smell. She posed for pictures for Gretchen - loving her flower.
Jocie is a climbing machine at the park. She really has no fear of falling or anything. You really don't have to chase her or anything. A few times she would ask for help on a swing, but otherwise very self-sufficient. Sometimes kids have so much fun, I'm thinking, "Man, I hope they're ok when it's time to leave." Jocie was easy. I asked if she wanted to get lunch and we were set to go.
She played with a dog while we ordered at P. Terry's. Tiny little Jocie took her time eatting her burger and fries. At the end, she was holding a fry while talking to me, and then a bird actually swooped by and grabbed the fry. She was starting to get upset because that was the last fry, but I quickly changed gears - "It's ok because after we finish eating here, we're going to get . . ."
"ICE CREAM!"
I tried to be "healthier" by going the gelato route at Whole Foods. A cool surprise was that when we paid, the lady asked if Jocie wanted any stickers. Who could say no? Stickers are always a great plus for kids. It's always funny talking to kids - or rather hearing what they say. Out of the blue from eating gelato, Jocie busts into a "I like to move it move it" song - closing off by telling me that it's from Madagascar.
As we made our way home, she wanted to see Sam. Hilarious and cute, she told Sam that she wanted him to go to her house - Sam played with her reminding her that it was their house together. Sam told her that he still had some work to do. He had some meetings. So she asked him to only talk a little bit. She cried as we left Space12 and had this cute whimper to herself. When I picked her up out of the car, she was so exhausted, she put her head on my shoulder (the blob move) - it's the most comforting feeling anyone can ever have from a kid. I easily transitioned her to her bed for a nap. A few comforting words from Carol, and Jocie was out cold.
I could vent all my frustrations about work and life to friends. Sure that would get things out of my system. I think that helps some people, but sometimes you end up a bitter person repeating the story over and over again. I really enjoyed the day because I wasn't venting. I wasn't letting the past get to me. I was fully in each moment of joy with Jocie. Laughing on the inside. Agreeing with her positive comments. When a little girl says, "I'm beautiful." how can you not respond by saying, "Yes, you are beautiful!"
It's one thing to come to a place of peace with the world and rest. It's another thing to be in a place of joy.
