Our personal cheerleaders!

Today, I wrestled the Christmas tree. It was a lot easier to put up than take down.  It eventually met the curb but not without sparing the carpet of a sticky, sap water (stains to remember the pain) bath. While I was silently cursing to myself, I heard Anderson, who was watching from the stairs as the tree enveloped his mummy say, "Just do your best Mummy!"

This spirited chant reminded me of the time I scaled a ladder to the very tall roof, last October.  My mission was to remove the stellar anniversary gift I bought my husband; a toy helicopter that is controlled by an ipad/iphone. After its initial ascend, within minutes it met its demise straight in the gutter-which as you presume is attached to the very tall roof.  The helicopter controlled by the "ican't" more appropriately. 

I started my own ascend, Andrew held the foot of the ladder. I volunteered. I know, right!? Anyhow, I heard Anderson cheering from the yard "C'mon Mummy, you can do it!"  It was that cheer that I heard while I nervously carried on, upon hesitating half way up. I didn't want to disappoint him (he was more excited about the helicopter than my husband) or in some ways show him fear. Not only did I retrieve the helicopter in one piece, but I succeeded in showing my son an example of bravery. I know its JUST a tall roof, and worst case scenario I could have fallen (Andrew would've caught me, disguised as a knight in shining armor-no doubt) or possibly worse failed at our rescue mission. 

With personal strength we can manage and overcome larger challenges than our perceived undertaking. In a symbolic sense - the monstrous Christmas tree versus my 125lb, 5' 5" (5' 6" on a good day) frame - well I was definitely the underdog. 

We can overcome our subjectivity and exemplify traits within reach. Just as the toy helicopter sat snug in the gutter waiting to be freed, the feeling of fear was put to bed and the action of bravery awoken.

We should feel satisfied knowing we have tried our best, put our steady foot forward on the way up (sometimes those ladders are tall) and most importantly having a cheerleader helps the cause.  

Thank you, son! In my view, there is no tree taller than you, your established roots are strong and spread so very far. 

Originally written: January 3, 2013