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lessons from a two year old

recognize this toy? still as captivating as
when we were young.
for probably pretty apparent reasons, we've been really appreciating john even more than usual this week. and i know it's a bit of an old chestnut that you learn more from your kids than they do from you, john's had two sayings this week that are really ringing true to me.

i got this
i think this one started out literally - like, "hey, mommy! i got this toy! look, i got it!" but it's quickly transitioned to the slangier (and oh-so-much-more grownup) "don't worry mommy, i got this."

as in, "i am carrying this item that is WAY too big for my little body, but i am super incredible - i got this."

and you know what? that's pretty inspiring. in the face of all the sadness and uncertainty i am feeling right now, to be able to say, *i got this*, that's pretty empowering. it makes me feel like i can do whatever i set my mind to. i GOT this.

i need some help
but then, when that step ladder or cooler or whatever john is dragging gets to be just too much, he will look at me and say so sweetly, "i need some help."

he's not beating himself for needing help. he's acknowledging he needs it, and asking. no judgment, no anger, just a request for help. so simple, and so difficult for us to do as adults.

these two sides of the coin - inspired by my two-year-old, no less - are going to get us through this and all of the other obstacles we might ever face.

i got this. but sometimes i need some help.

(and, this is way bigger than a parenthetical, but this will have to do: THANK YOU. i have received such an outpouring of love and support and kindness and compassion and commiseration in the past several days, i can't even explain it. my heart wells with the love that i feel around me. and it is BECAUSE of that help that i know, i got this.)
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