"I'm not lost, I'm on an adventure"

Dear AKT, I met you almost 3 years ago. If you would have asked me if I would feel the way I do today, I am sure I wouldn't know what to say. After all, you were a child that had tantrums for 2 hours the very first moments I met you. Today I sit here wondering: How can a child like you change the world? I know the exact way. It is quite simple, dear AKT, if you live the life you do, you cannot do anything less than change the world. You have created a vision and path that is unlike any other. You live moment to moment and impact everyone around you. When I look at you,I must remember you may only see me with your peripheral vision. However, this may not mean you do not see me. It simply means that you see me deeper than I see myself. You hold me to the highest of standards and I know that's because your "goggles" are unlike any other. You watch me from a distance always waiting for the moment to ask your next question. Sometimes these questions do not come with words. Often the words are replaced with your body. If I look closely, I am able to see that you are communicating. You may hear everything I am saying, yet need a moment to articulate your conversation. If I give you the chance, I can hear much more than a few jumbled words that come from your soft spoken voice. You are not the two hour tantrum that can stem from itchy clothing. You are not the non-compliance that comes from putting on socks. You are not the destroyed erasers or the nibbled on toys. However, I will tell you a secret that the world should know: You are a child full of compassion and a deserving heart. You are a self-less individual that gives it your all. You are a fine-tuned machine that is full of knowledge. You are rambunctious and curious and wonderfully out of this world. If you asked me AKT, you could have anything in this world. Put your mind to it. Do your best and guess what?! There might just be someone that thinks: "That's coconuts." But between you and I, I wouldn't have it any other way. This world needs a little crazy and slightly astray. Keep laughing and joking. You have come so far! Today is the day to celebrate everything you are! You have taught me the simple things in life that matter. A glimpse that can be taken away or a moment to celebrate. All of the tiny things add up to what we call life. You remind me of the things that are often taken for granted. You have nothing but abilities in my eyes and many! As the years go on, I hope you are a reminder, not only for me but for others. I want you to remind everyone what kindness looks like. There is a need for patience and understanding and most of all tolerance. Thank you for having the tolerance to endure a full-time job at 3 years old. Thank you for giving it your all to make your dreams come true. Thank you for exercising flexibility and understanding. Most of all, thank you for being compassionate. These few things so many people, especially adults forget, however for one mere moment you can be a reminder. Thank you AKT for being the reminder for the "village" that surrounds you!

I live a simple life wearing a few complex hats. Sometimes I am a teacher, while other times I am a therapist, a support team, a friend, an un-welcomed surprise, a mentor, an inventor, a part of the family,a mediator, a gardener and somedays I am a “hey you.” 
However at the end of the day, I will tell you the things that I am not. I AM NOT a “slacker”, “lazy” or “so gosh darn lucky to have the easiest job in the world.” I AM NOT sorry that I chose this career field. I AM NOT “a nose wiper”. MOST OF ALL I AM NOT “broke.”
Being what I am has brought so many treasures into my life. When you ask me what I do for a living, I cannot express it with one title. I wish that when you look at me with eyes full of sorrow you could see what I can see.
I see a world full of potential. I see children that greet me in a way that it’s the first and last time! They give 100% no matter the occasion. I see children that hold me to the highest of standards. If you need an accountability partner, ask a child. I see a world full of wonder. I am sorry if you don’t. 
The next time you are worried about what is in my wallet, worry about what is in my heart. I know that I am now worried for yours. Do you have tiny feet that are barely learning to walk follow you for days? Do you get invited to a 4 year old birthday party for a month straight? Can you make a box into an igloo for one child, while making a car for another while preventing a walker from demolishing our inventions? Wait, scratch that! Hold the horses, they changed their mind. Let the demolition begin, we need a moving supermarket with a door and a lock and a two passenger train complete with space to hold the animals. 
I know what you are thinking…
I am so “gosh darn lucky to have the easiest job in the world.”
You are right! I am so lucky that I have children in my life that are willing to put in the work to make days like today seem so incredibly easy. Let’s not take into consideration the very first 2 hours of my time with these children 3 years ago. Let’s not talk about that 2 hour tantrum you weren’t there for. We won’t talk about that because it’s “irrelevant now.” But wait, let’s not talk about yesterday…The day that was full of questions. Why…? What…? How..? “Talia you made me mad.” Let’s let it be where it stayed. It’s better that way because I can see you don’t understand.Today I agree with you. I am the luckiest to be able to live in the moment with these children. So you are right! Today “I am so gosh darn lucky to have the easiest job in the world!” But please ask me tomorrow!
Today, I am rich with laughter, tears of joy and love.I am full of patience,forgiveness, kindness and grace. You do not have to worry about asking me if these things stand true tomorrow.The best thing about tomorrows..they turn into todays! 
The next time you are worried about my wallet and how I spend my days…think about how you spend yours.

The sincere comments of “you'resilly, funny or crazy” are not judgements. They are observations of pure enjoyment. Without it, a child may never know where to turn. Looking for a “black alligator” may not be for you, but do it. Make up ridiculous songs. Sing out of key. Dance with no rhythm; because the harshest critic is not the 6 year old looking at you. It’s you. These brief moments that you live in the now, may be a lifeline for so many children. It may be that moment of sanity. It very well could be a moment of clarity. As adults, many are afraid to be “out of this world”. So do it! Download the most obnoxious “Alligator Song.” Shout it in and out of a hotel, exit while whispering and then ask yourself: “Am I crazy?! “ If you are aren’t talking to yourself, then surely you aren’t living this crazy life that I am so proud of. I experienced an incredible amount of emotions in the amount of 24 hours but guess what?! I wouldn’t have it any other way. I travelled from 1 side of the country to the other in one day! I couldn’t help but laugh when we read this together: “I’m the Cat and the Hat and I’m happy to say there’s a map on my lap— let’s get on our way!” We will travel the world. See the whole U.SA. And still be back home by the end of the day!”-Dr. Seuss. This is the life I live; along side a wonderful 6 year old reminder. Live freely. Explore. Change the world.

Working with children can be directly correlated with driving down the highway in most situations. However in my life I would say it is accurate to the California Scream or the Mind-Eraser. No matter the comparison,once the excitement, screaming, tears, accidents, laughter, singing and high fives are over I am ALWAYS ready to go back and do it again!

Once you utilized your body to tell me how you felt. With a touch to my arm you would guide me to your wants and needs. When you were angry, you would cry and lay on the ground. If you were shy or nervous you would run and hide. As we progressed you would utter a few word sentences. Perhaps at times give hugs and wave. You would write 3 letter words and ask for items you could earn. You would ask new guests what their name was and welcome them with open arms. Today I look into your eyes and appreciate all that you have overcome. I can only be grateful. You state your opinion. Compromising is an art you have mastered. The jokes you tell create such laughter. When anger and frustration arises you use your words to their fullest notion. Coming back into the room after you had used your words in such an appropriate yet inappropriate manner I wish I could tell you one thing. I am thankful. I am thankful to have watched you grow into such a wonderful child. Some parents, grandparents, therapists, teachers and more dream of a day where their child can utter a word. You are learning to use words rather than your body. You are expressing yourself exceptionally! I want to say that it is okay. I want to tell you that no apologies are necessary. I undeniably want to give you a high-five for self -expression. However, I cannot! That is the life of being your friend, mentor, teacher and therapist. No matter how many times you tell me: " You will not be my friend." I will be. If you push me, I will not push you back. When you get frustrated and utter the most unexpected phrases, I will applaud you mentally but discipline you all the same. When you cry, I will hug you. When you walk me to my car I will wave. Above everything, no matter your choice of words/actions/behaviors, know this: I WILL BE THERE RAIN OR SHINE BECAUSE ROLLER COASTERS ARE MY FAVORITE!!!! Working with children can be directly correlated with driving down the highway in most situations. However in my life I would say it is accurate to the California Scream or the Mind-Eraser. No matter the comparison,once the excitement, screaming, tears, accidents, laughter, singing and high fives are over I am ALWAYS ready to go back and do it again!

Monday is almost under wraps and I sit here with excitement. My favorite yet least favorite day has come and gone. I am now 6 more days closer to my next favorite day. However, today of all Mondays I decide I will meet the demands of so many. On this particular day I have been asked by so many to tell my story. Bare with me while I go on this adventure with you. I am selective with who I speak to. Nonetheless, if I can share my story of what I do and help another person that is great for me! This blog will now transform from not only my adventures as a wife of a photographer but as an educator, inspirer, friend and simply put: Natalia.