Rick and Mikie

Been reflecting more and more about my parents as Dav and I inch towards parenthood. I know this is a process every parent goes through, but it's quite fascinating how Dav and I attempt to process this imminent life-changing event. We can't really. It's beyond our realm of comprehension. At times I'm excited, at others I'm sad about letting go of this perfect "Dav & Mie Bubble" we've created. Who is this person who will soon be demanding all our attention?

I have 2 pictures of my parents that I love [sorry for the bad picture of a picture quality; I will scan later]. One is of my mom on the beach with my brother and I. She is playing with us. I love how beautiful she is, and I know she's wearing a bikini. This makes me think about her, as a young woman with 2 children...being our mom, but also an individual (a transplant from Japan to New England) who is well into the parenthood phase that Dav and I are about to enter. What was it like for her? Did she miss being the glamorous woman I see in her other pictures? Was she overwhelmed by us? It doesn't look like it...and her smile comforts me because I feel she's genuinely having fun.

The other picture is of my dad, surrounded by kids at my brother's birthday party. I wish he were more central, not tucked away behind the scenes. But I love this picture because he's so into being at the party, with that funny red birthday hat on. Ian is at the center, enjoying his special day. I'm a little lost, not knowing what all the commotion is about, looking up to my dad for comfort. It seems such a natural yet intimate moment.

Like I said, I'm thinking lots about my parents, appreciating what they went through, and thankful for what they did to enable me be the person I am.