It's a long walk

Anyone who knows Jared is shocked and amazed. Anyone who knows Emma is not surprised at all. Here they are at the Jacksonville Ag Fair, on stage, in front of the crowd, charming the folks who've gathered for the magic show. Jared, "Mr. Intense Shyness", has officially lost his title. He was relaxed, engaging, confident. To tell you the truth, I have no idea who this little man is or how he came to be. I can only say, "Welcome, Mr. Man. We knew you'd come along eventually." One year ago, he was so frozen with terror at the thought of having some stranger look at him that he couldn't have his Kindergarten photo taken. Fast forward twelve months and he now has the confidence that a brilliant, kind, articulate six year old should have. Raising two children less than two years apart was rough for about three years, and I wondered why in the world I did it. I've figured it out now. Jared benefits from Emma's laid-back, fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants personality; Emma benefits from Jared's intense, focused, cautious personality. And I benefit from watching them take on the world...together.