In the midst of the Christmas chaos, we decided that a daddy/daughter day was in order. My youngest, 7, is as artsy as I am clumsy. So we decided to get into her realm of specialization and went clay painting. Seemed an easy enough challenge for both of us. As soon as we stepped into the studio it was clear that it would be easy for one of us.
She knew the whole routine from birthday parties and trips with mom and sisters. I stood looking like a fish out of water. She instructed me as to the routine, which colours I might want to include and where the bathroom is, in case I needed to wash my hands. I realized then that my little darling has an entire skill set that I was unaware of. She’s having daily experiences that are unknown to me, but her brain and personality are developing every day, whether I like it or not. She has become her own little human, full of interest and wonder. A mere blink of an eye is all it took to get here.
As we progressed on, she taught me more. Not just what happens when you mess up (“just paint over it when it dries Dad”), but also that the back and forth conversation with a kid can be quite insightful. “You know, I’ll always think of you when I see your painted skull.” I chose a skull, all chiropractic like. She will always recall this date, an heirloom of sorts to a time when life was busy but we decided to slow down and paint. That alone was worth the price of entry.
I recognized as I looked around the room at other parents, that we were sadly unprepared. It takes a couple of hours to paint these things, and we had not a drop of water (let alone caffeine) and not a morsel of food. As if the Grinch himself came and cleaned us out before we entered the front door. I saw a bit of myself in her face at the 60 minute mark. She’s famished from the deep concentration. Her nose wrinkled up in that way that could only mean it’s past the point of repair. I realized then that no matter who or where you are, fuel is critical for producing the best possible results.
My last realization was that we have but one chance to enjoy life as we know it. We could have easily gone and joined the masses at the local mall, rummaging through clothes and toys trying to find the perfect gift for the upcoming day. Instead we chose small talk, stories of school recesses, of how to put the perfect detail on your clay sculpture, of what the perfect dessert might look like. If you don’t slow down to breathe in life, it passes by far too quickly. Spend time with those you love, do the things you enjoy. Get out there and paint some clay!
Yours in Good Health,
Dr. Mark Guker
ReAlign Health
1-2445 Eagle Street North
Cambridge ON
Phone (519) 650.1630
Fax (519) 650.5277
www.realignhealth.com