I've been asked by so many what made Liza want to sell Lemonade to help fund her medical care -- her brain surgeries. There's no "easy peasy" answer to that, as even I don't know many kids her age who would think to be part of their own journey to wellness. But if you know Liza, well . . . let's just say she started helping out around the house at a very early age. Like "still in diapers" early. Taking out the trash used to be one of her favorite things to do before she could even complete a full sentence. I'm not sure if it was because it was quite an adventure to take the trash to the other end of the hall on the 11th floor of our building when we lived in DC . . . or if it was the fun of hearing it tumble down the trash chute and hit the dumpster several seconds later. Regardless as you can see, Liza tackled such things in stride, with her baby doll in hand and bare footed no less.
This kid has always been amazing. I know every mama says that about her babies. Liza, though, has never met a stranger whose life she didn't leave more blessed in having met her. She has always wanted to be part of the mix, and is often the leader of the pack. If you've met Liza at the park, it's likely been under her direction to circle up and play "duck, duck, goose." And regardless of your age, you're joining in the fun. She has a way in stealing hearts and spreading kindness amongst even the most hardened of hearts and the least likely to converse. She doesn't take no for an answer and will do what it takes to get what she wants.
Hence -- her lemonade stand. She wanted high heal shoes -- with sequins and glitter. Think Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz shoes. Mama said they were impractical, because what 6 year old (at the time) needs glitter high heals. Many many cups of lemonade later she was proudly wearing those glitter high heals. Every day. To school, to church, to the playground, around the house, in the backyard playing. All - the - time. Liza does as Liza wants. And she has a really amazing way of getting what she wants - and even needs. That makes my job as her mama a bit more challenging at times, as more often than not what she wants she doesn't need. Like another baby doll. Though somehow that doesn't stop her. In comes her lemonade stand.
I've always wanted nothing more than for my children to know that they can be anyone they aspire to be and do anything they set out to accomplish. Both of my kids have been encouraged to be independent, self-confident, and engaged in the day-to-day aspects of "life." At times I kick myself for this -- like the time my kids decided to help wash dishes. That turned out to be a cleaning of the entire kitchen - ok flooding.
Kids are amazing. All kids. Mine are no exception. But they are also the greatest blessing from God. And it is the greatest honor and pleasure to have been chosen by God to be their mother here on earth. As I'm no different than any other mother in that I often have days I just want to sleep in, or have some alone time, I am humbly reminded that there will be a day when I long to be awakened at all hours of the night, beg to be climbed on top of in the wee hours of the morning, clean up spilled milk all over the floor, and wish I was pulling my hair out having to plunge the toilet to find the babysitters keys. There will be a day when it's far too quiet and there isn't another inch in the house with cheerios waiting to be vacuumed.
In the times like those I've faced of late, what I've learned more so than ever is to let my kids be kids. Let the mess be a mess. Let the tears be comforted. To laugh at the spills. And ignore the trivial things that just don't matter. Because what does matter -- what is the most important thing to convey to our kids -- to cherish and hold on to for as long as we can -- is this . . . LOVE.
So today, in support of Liza's journey ahead, and her surgery Monday morning, if you do nothing else this weekend, help us stay strong by doing one thing, and one thing only. Love. Love yourself. Love others. Love a neighbor. Love a stranger. Love your friends. Love your family. Love your kiddos. And of course . . . LOVE LEMONADE!
Thank you to all of you who have helped make our journey to Boston possible. And Thank You to Boston for welcoming us with open arms and such amazing support. And LOVE. We could not face the road ahead without each of you.
We have a long road ahead and it's just beginning for Liza and our family. We certainly don't expect everyone to feel led to give, in fact we hope many will do nothing else but pray on bended knee. Though for anyone who wishes to know how you can help -- Liza's still selling "virtual" lemonade while we are in Boston, and graciously accepting cards, well-wishes and blessings by mail.
