Yep. Those particular driving talents come directly from my genes, sorry kid.
Actually, she was parking it in the shed (which involves going up a ramp) all by herself for the first time. Previously she has always parked the 4 wheeler by the shed and waited for her dad or I to drive it in. But tonight I said "It's time to put up 4 wheelers so we can get ready for church!" And she went to put hers away. All the way away.
Sometimes she's ferociously independent like that - even when it causes trouble. Those genes she gets from both sides.
And after much consideration and some deep breaths to slow my heart rate ... I wouldn't change that part.
Oh, I'd change the crash and the fat lip and the bloody chin in a heart beat. I'd change the crash sound I heard and *knew* from across the yard where I was parking the other 4wheeler. But the independence that got her there? That I'm not interested in changing. Instead, I'm trying to appreciate and embrace it more.
It's an independence that sometimes frustrates me. That, tonight in particular, made me say "but why didn't you just wait a minute?" But it's also the independence that is taking her places. Big places.
It's the independence that saved me earlier this evening when she hollered "Mom, the goats are out!" as we got pulled in .... Because by the time I got backpacks and my purse inside, and my mudboots on, she already had the goats back in the pen and was working on fixing the fence.
It's the independence that let's her be comfortable "running" the school - why yes, she can run that errand for me, talk to this person, find that out for you.... And the independence that makes school a place she is comfortable. That makes her say "crazy" things like "mom, I'm home sick for the second day, I should probably do some school work so I'm not behind" and also "I read that book by myself earlier, Im ready to test on it."
It's the independence that got her up on a horse and riding without help last Saturday. The independence that often let's her say "I can do it just fine".
And it's the independence that will keep her firey, sweet spirit alive through whatever life throws her way. It will let her stand up to bullies and look out for friends. It will let her find information she needs, choose her own path, and stand firm for her beliefs despite adversity.
Unfortunately, I know it will also bring her more crashes. Some emotional, and probably so more physical, too. And at those parts I'll try to prevent if feasible, cushion when possible, and of course, comfort where I need to.
Hopefully I'll be able to help her see the lessons, too. I mean, I bet she parks her 4wheeler more carefully next time...and she might even wait for help. And that won't be the last lesson she learns.
But hopefully I can do that it in a way that refines the independence, not squelches it. Help her find the patience and wisdom I'm usually still seeking ... But always remind her to get back up and try again because she can, infact, do it ... Just, maybe after her chin heals. 😉
