I admit that when Marcus was a child, the future scared me. A whole lot. In fact, I used to cry on his birthday more out of fear than joy. Seems silly now, it’s just – look at that kid! He was so full of life and I had the devil whispering on my shoulder…
Finally, I woke up and noticed the futility of all those years of asking, “What are you going to do when he grows up?”
Not to say that I don’t still hold the Gold Medal Worrier Title. I do. How much do I worry? It’s a tightrope walk, push and fuel enough to fill a black hole, but contained enough to stall anxiety from overtaking our universe. For the moment.
Photo Provided by Megan Catalibe Photography
Even as we continue to pursue new, exciting, and terrifying options and opportunities full of growth and concerns. Not even counting the pandemic!
However, HOWEVER, none of that discounts the fact that when Marcus was born, the book I was given stated a life expectancy of 30 years so, I vowed then to do everything I could to squeeze into a lifetime all of the love and learning and together we could muster.
When Marcus was born, the book I was given stated a life expectancy of 30 years. I vowed then to do everything I could to squeeze into a lifetime all of the love and learning and together we could muster. Now he is turning 30 years… Click To Tweet
Thirty Years!
Here he is, turning 30 years old with no sign of stopping his ambitious dreaming and constant creating.
In fact, while I sit here making these notes, he’s telling me the most incredible mashup story involving characters from the Simpsons and The Lion King. There are hyenas and big bullies, Bart, Milhouse, and Marcus as Mufasa. That may be too much for many people to imagine, but the storyline is flowing from him. It includes both the song “Get Closer” by Seals and Crofts, and a new song Quinn wrote called “Fall in Love Again.”
How much imagination does this guy have? All I know is it’s always more.
How Much?
Grandpa explaining Craps to Marcus
Five years ago Marcus birthday celebration was in Las Vegas and it was also the Book Release of Black Day: The Monster Rock Band.
We have lots more books to sell, but are very pleased with the reviews and the impact on folks who share.
For example, Check this adorable guy!
I’m told Black Day is a staple at his house,
that his favorite character is Skeleton Pumpkin Head,
and that he loves to hear and sing along with Marcus’ voice.
How much will Marcus storytelling impact this little man’s ambitions?
Who knows…but thrilled to give him a jumpstart.
And how much do I appreciate these stories and pics? No end. No end to how much.
In all honesty, I think I appreciate the pictures and shares a bit more than Marcus. One reason is Mom-pride, which is my prerogative. Another is Marcus often replies with “So cute!” “Good work!” (If child is reading) and “That’s right!” If they share a writing/story ambition of their own. Then off he goes to do his own next thing, and I’m the one who stews and mulls over old assumptions and previous roadblocks or callous words. He’s not doing that. He’s moved on. That’s all just part of the Marcus Equation.
How much does all that worry and spinning cost me? Too much, but the struggle continues. How much do I hope for? Still more. Civil rights, including improving both accessibility and accountability.
How much can I control? Haha haha…Ha…2020 has put a spotlight on the lack of control, while somehow simultaneously pinpointing the importance of controlled breathing, measuring both words and energy, and sifting through the intake.
How much? Too much. Not enough. More or less. All of the above.
Through it all, much love. Wishing much love to you and yours.
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This FTSF is in answer to the innocuous question “How Much?” and photo prompt. Add your words and thoughts to the HOP right here!
I’m off now to continue celebrating the birthday. You can join us on Facebook for more weekend shots and festivities.
2020 has put a spotlight on the lack of control, while somehow simultaneously pinpointing the importance of controlled breathing, measuring both words and energy, and sifting through the intake. How much? Too much. Not enough. More or… Click To Tweet
Linda Morrow When Steve was born in 1966 I was told he wouldn’t outlive his teens. He did that and much more. You can read about his life in my book HEART OF THIS FAMILY – Lessons in Down Syndrome and Love, which will come out in August.
Isn’t it amazing that when good things happen with our kids that they move on and we’re the ones contemplating and wondering and mom-priding (totally a word)? I hope you’re ok with the PTSD of having been handed that book when he was born. He’s obviously going to keep doing so much more loving and living and creating. He’s amazing and you’re amazing. Also? EEEP to the photo of toddler Marcus! <3 Much love and HAPPY BIRTHDAY to all of you. 30 is awesome. Oh and LOL to the haha on control. Yup.