Maia learns the monkey bars

So many things distract.

For the last 10, going on 11, months, my time has been largely consumed by a single case. There have been weeks on end in which I've done nothing but work on this one case. It has robbed my of time with my family in a year that is very important to Maia.

But I had no choice about this. I had to take the case, and I had to win it or my business would fail.



There are other things, too, that distract. Stupid and senseless preoccupations, most of them, that go nowhere and contribute nothing.

I've never been able to wrap myself around the mix of free will and determination in human decisions. Why do I do the things I do? Why one thing, not another?

We are not determined, and we are not free--I think that's pretty clear.

But I never get any further than drawing that simple box. What will come out of it? Who knows.



Two Sundays ago, I found an excited message from Maia for me on my phonemail at work after I had gotten back to the office from getting something to eat. She was telling me that she'd made it round the monkey bars at Kaimuki Park, "all by myself!" Before, she had needed help from me or Kristina.



This past Sunday, I saw her do it. Remarkable. She's learned how to use her weight to swing her little frame from bar to bar. Such strong little arms and shoulders.

I used my still camera to take a video of it. If I can figure out how to do it, I will post the video.

She will need so much strength to get through the issues that already await her. I wish I could help her, but I know that I can't. Just watch and applaud, and try to be there to catch her when she falls.



These pictures are all from the park--watching the adults "play Power Rangers"--what she calls, Kendo--on the way to the playground, and then stills of part of one of her trips around the monkey bars. I promise you, she made it all the way.

John, Tuesday, February 6, 2007 (posted Feb. 7th)