"The Aha moment" - that moment of clarity where you gain real wisdom- wisdom you can use to change your life.
Our grandchildren were on spring break last week so we decided to go to Snow Summit for one last time before they closed for the season. Noah yearns to ski. Hannah however, informed us, "she couldn't ski without her dad". Only he knew how she liked to ski, holding on to her hand, or onto poles held on the other end by him - but never letting go. She finally agreed to go, but Grandpa would have "to ski the way she wanted to ski-- holding hands".
Her father prepped her for the trip by role playing, "Hannah being difficult" and "Hannah being good". Which way works best? Noah reminded her over and over again, as we drove up the hill- "remember Hannah- don't be difficult". If you know Hannah, you know at times, she can be difficult.
The plan was for Noah and I to take off to a far away place on the hill so we wouldn't be around to witness the inevitable battle between Hannah and her Grandpa.
Things got off to a rocky start. Grandpa held her hand as they traversed to the bunny slope, but when he attempted to explain that skiing doesn't work well holding hands, Hannah threw a "little fit". (her words not mine) Grandpa said "that's it we're heading back to the locker room". She regained her composure and agreed to "hang on to just the poles" for the next run. Except Grandpa let go of the poles, and Hannah skied away from him not knowing.
There was the angry look and "Grandpa you tricked me!" And then---Aha! She could ski, without Dad, without Grandpa, without holding hands or hanging on to poles. She was free!
"I'm ready for that chair over there Grandpa" she said, pointing to chair 2, which takes you to the top of the hill. Grandpa insisted on one more run down the bunny slope, unassisted, and she complied. Grandpas do have some wisdom of their own.
Noah and I were at the top of Chair 2 when Grandpa and Hannah glided easily off the chair. Noah took off, Hannah followed without hesitation, full speed ahead, hooting and hollering down the hill to chair 9. Chair 9 is the family park- it ain't the bunny slope. (Excuse my slang)
Grandpa, who is this child and what did you do with Hannah?
Then she fell and I thought, this won't be pleasant, but nope, she pulled herself up, slid on her bootie until she could stand up and off she went- hooting and hollering- and screaming at me "hurry up Grandma Shirley!" She fell over and over again with never a whimper. I'd rush to her side and she'd inform me- "got it Grandma!" as she slid away. She informed me later that falling was her "emergency brakes".
I have to admit, Hannah's "Aha" moment was an "Ought oh" moment for me. There's no stopping her now. She's felt the wind in her hair and she's taken flight. Watch out world. Here comes Hannah!
I am confident that one day she will inform us all, that she is moving to Mammoth to live with Uncle Travis.
Posted by: heidi thompson | April 16, 2009 at 07:14 PM