Let’s See How Far We Go!

My oldest son love the song “How Far We’ve Come” by Matchbox 20. It’s got that driving beat that lets him dance quickly, spin in circles and generally be busy. It also has easy to remember lyrics which he sings into his thumb-microphone. But, he doesn’t sing it as the lyrics are written.

He does not sing:

Let’s see how far we’ve come.

He sings:

Let’s see how far we go.

My husband and I fall all over ourselves with the absolute cuteness of that mis-sung lyric. In fact, we’ve started singing it his way rather than the right way. One day last week, we all (including my youngest son) were bebopping around the kitchen with the song blaring in the background, dancing and singing, at the top of our lungs, “Let’s see how far we GO!” Memories like these, of course, are what make being a parent so awesome. Someday he will deny ever having liked us enough to act like a fool in the kitchen. But then one day maybe he will be blessed with children equally as awesome and will get to bebop around his own kitchen singing the wrong lyrics. And maybe he’ll say a silent thank you.

Memories, however adorable, aren’t really the point of this post.

I’ve been thinking a lot about 2008 the past few days (like the rest of the world). It was a difficult year in many respects. Speaking specifically of our open adoption, it was a year of adjustment, a year of difficult communication and a year sorely lacking in visits. This falls at the feet of the lot of us and not just one person or “side” of the triad. We were all dealing with our own very complicated issues that needed a lot of attention. By the end of the year, however, I think we found ourselves in a place that was similar to the comfortable relationship of past years.

In fact, for me, I’m cherishing moments and the “little things” a bit more. Knowing how busy life can be with two children, I am fully aware of the effort that Munchkin’s Mom puts in when she makes any time to include me. I mean, have you seen my laundry pile lately? Good grief. Furthermore, having been through some rather silent months (for lack of a better term), I now fully recognize how any contact is better than no contact.

All the same, referencing the original song lyric, I think I prefer my son’s lyrics better.

Looking at how far we come, I can appreciate the hard work we have put in to overcome some difficulties. I recognize the times that we have faltered in our relationship and respect the work that was done to fix those issues. But, at the same time, I want to have the outlook that my son has…

I want to see how far we can go!

What will 2009 bring for us? With a visit planned for later this month, I can tell you that it will bring smiles and laughter and likely fights amongst children. But other than that, I don’t know what 2009 holds for us as an open adoption family.

But I’m so excited to see how far we go. So excited.