The Domestic Nest Blog

I work with children with special needs. Today, I learned something profound and timely from a second-grader with autism.

I was supervising free play when a daring boy decided to go all Mary Lou Retton on the monkey bars. It was half spectacular, half terrifying, and made my blood pressure rise as I worried about him falling and me having to call the nurse, or worse yet, 911. As I mentally located the nearest phone, another little boy came over and grabbed my arm. He said, “Why is he doing that?” as he pointed to the acrobat that never left my gaze.

“I don’t know,” I replied, “but he’s making me nervous.”

“Let me show you something,” said the boy. He linked his arm in mine and began to escort me around the playground, sage like. “See the dirt?” he began. “It’s not nervous. And the cars are not nervous. And the trees are not nervous. Those kids playing are not nervous.” Then he released my arm and resumed digging in the dirt.

I pondered his truths for the rest of recess. Sometimes, I’m a nervous Nellie. I obsess over details that do not matter. I imagine ridiculous scenarios and prepare for disasters less likely than a sun/moon collision. While I still see the merit in knowing where the nearest emergency phone is located, I could definitely let go of some nervous energy.

The bell rang. Mr. Cirque du Soleil performed a dismount worthy of perfect 10′s. And I went about my day, a little more relaxed.

I can’t think of anything cuter than baby shoes. Wait a minute…yes I can…a BABY!

This was my first stab at baby moccasins. Today, they’re on the little feet of

Gage Paxton, born 11/14/2009.

Congratulations Amy & Luke! Can’t wait to meet him!