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Cherish

by - Sunday, December 16, 2012


Thoughts of Friday's tragic events are still heavy on my mind. I can't imagine what the parents and families of Newtown are going through (and I really don't want to). So I turned off my TV for most of the weekend and spent the time instead hugging Chloe a little tighter, breathing in her laughter and silly games, and cherishing her innocence. The moments of childhood are fleeting and as a parent I don't always pay attention as much as I could have and should have. Every day is a gift. I need to remember that.


We spent Thursday night as a family, enjoying one of my favourite traditions, visiting the Toronto Christmas market. Like we did last year, we ventured out into the cold cold cold just as sunset hit and the lights became twinkling stars in the sky. We ate our way through the market, hitting our favourite stalls - the grilled cheese stall, the poutine booth - and kept ourselves warm with the hot chocolate we brought from home.


But this year brought something new. Chloe is of an age now where she can enjoy the rides so she took to the merry-go-round, but also the Ferris wheel. I can ride rollercoasters but something about the Ferris wheel puts my heart in my throat. But not my little girl. She never feared it for a moment, never reached out for Daddy's hand. I was scared for her, but this was one of those times when you let your child find her own limits, instead of holding her back with yours.

 
I will tuck these moments away. I'm so lucky to have that chance.

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7 comments

  1. Amy Walters12:42 PM

    It's so easy to get caught up in the business of EVERYTHING, that I often forget to focus on the INDIVIDUAL moments that make life truly beautiful. So glad you were able to soak up these special moments...especially in light of everything that happened this weekend. xo

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  2. trioofkids12:42 PM

    I went on the Ferris Wheel this year with my children and I was terrified.  All the starts and stops and swinging cars...  I couldn't wait to get down. The children loved it!
    Beautiful photos Jen. I love the one of Chloe drinking hot chocolate.
    Michelle

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  3. frances hanlon12:42 PM

    I was there saturday morning and had a great time too. Beautiful old settings and lots of great shops to visit Cheers Frances

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  4. Grace_senseandsimplicity12:42 PM

    Aren't those gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches the best.  We didn't make it to the christmas market this year, but had a lot of fun at it last year.

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  5. cherishtoronto12:42 PM

    Jen, you're so right. We should cherish each day and appreciate all of the goodness and the wonderful people that surround us. Moments are fleeting and our memories of those we love are precious gifts.

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  6. freckles chick12:42 PM

    You spoke my heart. The horror that the people of Newtown are experiencing is unfathomable. I can't stop thinking of them nor can I stop hugging Quinn.

    Fearless Chloe, so proud of that little girl of yours!!!!

    xoxo,
    freckles chick
    freckleschic4@gmail.com

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  7. Tim@DesignMaze12:42 PM

    thanks for sharing Jen.  I missed the Christmas market this year... but I hope I will make up for it next year when I visit Germany for the real deal!  

    glad to hear Chloe can now get on these fun ride for her and yes I'm with you, I can't get up that ferris wheel!

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