Simply put, our
kid has got charisma. Palpable charisma of the JFK/MickJagger/Michael Jordan
variety. Yes, he's a baby and yes, everyone loves a joyful baby. But this
is something beyond that. Wherever we go, it's clear – it’s Ravi's world, and
we're all just livin' in it. For his part, he appears to dig this arrangement, and
the more good energy you throw at him, the greater he amps up his own
wattage as if to say, "Ya like? There's more where that came from, ladies
and gents!" He has meltdowns, of course, and there are times when he is
downright over it, and no amount of
goofing or cajoling is going to help.
But at least twice daily I hear from strangers, "Oh, I just love
him! He's the happiest baby!" This is true. He is an extremely
happy baby and his joy is infectious.
As a kid I was made fun of. Not that there wasn't stuff to legitimately make fun of...I was an 11 year old with striped corduroy coulots, a gold lame belt and fabric flowers in my "ital-fro." On some level I knew I was a bit of a weirdo when it came to fashion, music -- the externals -- and I was cool with that. Never much of a "follower," I preferred to do my own thing. Any insults that came my way based on looks and such, I'm sure stung, but they certainly didn't stay with me. What I remember being teased the most for? Being too happy!
As a kid I was made fun of. Not that there wasn't stuff to legitimately make fun of...I was an 11 year old with striped corduroy coulots, a gold lame belt and fabric flowers in my "ital-fro." On some level I knew I was a bit of a weirdo when it came to fashion, music -- the externals -- and I was cool with that. Never much of a "follower," I preferred to do my own thing. Any insults that came my way based on looks and such, I'm sure stung, but they certainly didn't stay with me. What I remember being teased the most for? Being too happy!
I was a really cheery little
girl. I know this by looking at photos
of my pint-sized smiling self, from stories told by family members and through
my own memories and recollections. I remember genuinely liking life most of the
time, and being quite happy. Teachers and parents always seemed to enjoy me,
but there were plenty of kids that wanted nothing to do with me. And when you are a school-aged kid that
really sucks. Even if you have a
strong sense of self – which I did have, thanks to my family and the way we related at home -- that kind of treatment is not pleasant.
So I learned how to dial it
back, to make myself smaller.
The crazy thing?
Charles had the same experience growing up...mocked for being too happy.
He says that it hardened him at an early age, created a cynicism and an
uncertainty that I find kind of heartbreaking. Right now Ravi is like a little
bundle of love and light, and although I can't say for sure what will happen as
his personality continues to evolve, I have a hunch that an enduring joyful
countenance is as much a part of his DNA as the robust thighs, dark brown
curls, and dimples on each side of his mouth.
It took me many
years to embrace what I thought I had to modulate and temper for the benefit of
others. These days, I couldn’t
dial it back if I wanted to. Just like everyone else in his orb, I’m awash in the glow of
my 21 lb sidekick. My cheeks hurt,
I smile so much. I
wouldn’t have it any other way.
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