Mentoring

One of the most adult things I do is mentor a fantastic young lady.  She's currently an 8th grader and I've been privileged to be a small part of her life since 3rd grade.  We've talked about a lot of things over the years - grades, career plans, Halloween costumes, etc. But she also asked me why everyone was sad on 9/11 when she was in 4th grade and we had to talk about terrorism and try to find words to explain to a child that bad things happen sometimes but you are loved and safe.  We've also discussed hair color options and the brilliance of hoodies - in other words, we cover whatever life has thrown at us at the time. 

Mentoring has been one of the most rewarding things I've ever done.  I've been honored to watch her grow and mature.  I'm so happy to be part of her village.  I can't tell you how thrilled I am when the grade goes up or the band award happens.  I clapped pretty stinking loud when she bowed at the end of the elementary production of Aladdin.  There's something absolutely amazing about investing in a kid and then watching her turn into a young lady. 

I think this is pretty meaningful adulting.  Having perspective enough to realize that spending 30 minutes every couple of weeks with a 13-year-old really matters is adulting.  It matters to her and it matters to me.  She grounds me and reminds me what's actually important.  She keeps me as hip as she possibly can, and I try to keep her focused on school.  We're good for each other. 

I asked her if I could blog about her and she said yes, but not to say anything embarrassing.  I asked if I could include a picture and tried to take the second one here.  She asked if I'd include the SnapChat one above instead because she looks prettier in it.  We then talked about the "real" her being the prettier one.  I'm including both with the understanding that we both still have some growing to do. 

I share this story not to tell you how awesome she is (even though she really is that awesome), but to encourage you to find a kid who might need a mentor and be that person for them.  It doesn't take much and you will gain so much more than you give. The world needs people who care and love loudly right now.

Old Timer

I was notified this evening that I haven’t blogged in a while. (Thanks for the reminder Mr Cook!) I’m learning that adulting, like checking the mail every day and actually putting away laundry, is wildly time consuming. (Kidding - kind of)

Some of the adulting I’ve done lately is old timey - I’ve been sending out hand written notes to people. Like I literally get a card or piece of paper and use a real (not Apple) pen and write a note to someone who I think deserves a little old timer joy. It doesn’t take that long, my penmanship is improving, and people seem to really love it.

In a time when it’s so easy to text, email, private message, and Snap, maybe a little ink is just what the world needs.