Sunday, April 25, 2010

Vicarious Pain

I arrived on the scene seconds after it happened. Maggie was in tears. I did a quick sweep of the surroundings and discovered a rubber band laying at her feet. Like a CSI agent I came to a reasonable and cleaver story for her current state. Aha! While playing with the rubber band she snapped herself. I figured she wasn't in any real pain but had just made a painful discovery. So I picked up the rubber band and snapped my finger to show her some pain is just a part of life. To my surprise greater tears weld up in her eyes. I guess this was vicarious pain she was feeling. A few hours later I repeated the experiment for my sister and sure enough it produced an immediate and powerful tearful response. I thought that was pretty amazing and cruel on my part but I just couldn't believe it. Wow! It was a marvelous reminder of the trust God gives parents. I really hope I use it wisely.

the day after the experiment

She still loves her cruel Dad.

Grandpa's cowboy hat

Maggie's big blue tears

7 comments:

  1. I LOVE both the picture of her on your shoulders and of her in the cowboy hat. She is so sweet. Poor thing, those big blue tears are so sad! I can't wait to see her THIS WEEK! (and you are Sara too!)

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  2. PS there is one enormous and important event (hint: this weekend) missing on your calendar!

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  3. The "eyes" have it...good luck saying "no" in the future.

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  4. Seriously, she is just so sweet!! How do you stand it?!?! Parenting is an amazing, crazy thing sometimes too.

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  5. I just love her. That is amazing that she still cried when she saw you in pain for the same reason. It is a reminder to me the difference between girls and boys. I know it is silly, but it makes me teary eyed. I sure do love her. I am counting down until we get to see you guys. We miss all 3 of you! And those pictures are fabulous.

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  6. I loved this entry!!!! I only wish they would learn it and it would stay with them forever!!! She is a doll!!!

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  7. How sweet Maggie is! Love the pics too.

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