What this picture is
This is a picture of my two cheering sons, Daniel and Chris.
The setting is our first home. We lived in the upper unit of a two-flat in Chicago. Daniel is outside on our back deck. We had a long set of spiral stairs that went down into our backyard. Chris is inside the house. It looks like a day in May. On the deck is a big thermometer. In those days, I didn't have a weather app or a smartphone. Also on the deck is a metal table, four chairs and a grill. My husband would grill dinner, and we would sit on that deck and enjoy the view of our tree. It was a Magnolia tree, and in May it would have been full of pale pink blooms.
Why I saved this picture
I remember taking this picture. At the time, Chris wasn't walking yet, but he was a fast crawler. We had to watch him closely for fear he would go out on the balcony and fall down the spiral stairs.
Daniel was on the deck playing quietly with his match box cars that he liked to put in long rows like a train. It was time for me to get Chris up from his nap, so I let know Daniel I would be right back. I closed the glass door.
I picked up Chris and set him up to play quietly in our front room. I then went to empty the dishwasher. In a flash, Chris darted across the front room floor to the back deck door. Then for the first time ever, pulled himself up to stand. Surprising himself, he let out joyous toddler screech! Then he pounded on the glass to get his big brother's attention. He was rewarded with big cheers and reciprocal pounding on the glass from Daniel.
Acknowledge achievements
When you see someone accomplishing something they have never done before, be it big or small, call it out. Cheer! Let them know you see what they did and that you are proud of them. When they achieve it, feel the joy with them, and celebrate together.
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