“You just had to be there.”
How often things happen that we simply miss.
The importance of “being there” happened with my six-year-olds in September of 2007. We had spent several days soaking in Byrd Baylor’s picture book, I’m In Charge of Celebrations. There, Baylor recounted her Southwestern childhood memories, illustrating how she created her own calendar of significant days. These names honored life-changing experiences like Rainbow Celebration Day (August 9), Coyote Day (September 28), and The Time of the Falling Stars (a full week in the middle of August).
delving into I’m In Charge of Celebrations
On Dust Devil Day (March 11), the young author found herself riding in the back of a pickup and seeing whirlwinds coming across the flats. Before the truck stopped, seven whirlwinds had gathered.
“At a time like that, something goes kind of crazy in you. You have to run to meet them. You have to whirl around like you were one of them, and you can’t stop until you’re falling down. And then all day you think how lucky you were to be there.” -Byrd Baylor
Since reading the book, the kindergartners had been on the lookout to name special celebrations and discover teachable moments of our own. Moments that would fit right into Trace Atkin’s country song, “You’re Gonna Miss This.” They had already designated New Baby Day for their friend’s newborn brother and Mud Day after excitedly adding water to our playground.
being present
After lunch one humid day, we found ourselves back on our South Carolina playground. Children happily created houses from sticks, carried piles of leaves, and chased each other. The sun beat down on us, not a breeze to be found.
Suddenly, though, a wind came from nowhere, lifting pine needles in swirls and whirls. Everyone froze, mesmerized in the moment. As my eyes bounced around the field and my mouth dropped, I tried to figure out what was happening. Then one child jumped up and down, hollering, “It’s dust devils!” We all jerked back to life, rejoicing and joining in the dance of beauty. We swayed and turned, squealing, laughing, twirling, and dancing. A real celebration.
Then just as quickly, the dust devils died away. The children stood there, breathless, hearts pounding.
Laughing, one said, “Well, we didn’t miss that celebration.”
Another echoed, “I’m so glad we were here.”
"being there" in real life
Such pivotal moments come in every life, moments that are unmissable. I’ve experienced several so far this year.
- I had the privilege of living with my mother in her last weeks of life. I had watched her become the great-grandmother as I became the grandma. Everything I learned about being a woman, wife, mother, and grandmother was through her. Being present was my last gift to her. Though heart-wrenching, I wouldn’t have missed it.
- I joined my husband on his bucket-list dream of driving the Lewis & Clark Trail, seeing the country from South Carolina to Washington state. Up-close. For three and a half weeks. Though tiring and a bit chaotic, I wouldn’t have missed it.
- We just recognized my son’s 30th year of living and are delighted to head to Washington, DC soon to celebrate in person. I wouldn’t miss it.
I’m grateful for being there in these priceless moments. And for so many more.
you just have to be there.
Let me encourage you to pay close attention to the things going on around you. The real moments, the ones you can’t get back. From playful dust devils to profound life changes, do whatever you can to be there.
If you’re interested in seeing other ways of being in an inquiry setting, dig deeper in this blog. One of my favorite entries is on creating an unforgettable experience in your school garden:
Or if you want to hear the children tell their own stories, head over to our podcast, Kidtalk on Podbean. Here’s the teaser: Podcast teaser for Kidtalk | Kidtalk (podbean.com)
Here’s the first episode on Rocks and Soils: