James at Six Months Visiting Farm

James,

It’s been two weeks since you and your parents came down to Virginia to spend Spring Break with us. And you turned six-months soon thereafter. We did so many things together while you were with us, but two events in particular stand out.  One occurred at the Lake House (Gleneagles) and the second event occurred at Poor Creek Farm.

One evening while at the Lake House, we collectively decided to feed you solid food for the first time. So, we created some type of mush – I cannot remember what was in it, although I seem to remember that breast milk was put into the mix.  In anticipation of this monumental moment, seven adults gathered as we sat you on the kitchen counter and placed a dollop of our hastily produced mixture in front of you. To prime the pump, someone put some of the mixture on a finger and stuck it in your mouth.  

For a moment, your famous “furrowed brow” appeared – a definite sign that your brain was processing. What is this?  But then with wide eyes, you frantically waved your arms, saw the mush sitting in front of you, and began using your hands and fingers to hastily scoop the mixture into your mouth.  This routine was repeated each time we put a dollop of the mixture in front of you, much to the delight of the audience. I laughed so hard I almost cried. I think we all did. You were in ecstasy! It reminded me that watching someone enjoy a first experience – whatever it is – can bring great joy.

During your stay, we also gathered at our farm one afternoon for a picnic. It was a big deal, especially so because your great-grandparents, Sarah and T.C. were there. Your great uncle and aunt, Jim and Karen, also joined us. As we gathered on the massive front porch – a place that I hope you spend many of your days in the future – we took turns holding you and rocking you. You were much loved.

After you returned to Boston, I realized that I had not actually spent a lot of time directly with you, or your mom and dad.  You see, you have lots of Donovan relatives in Charlottesville who want to spend time with you too.  And Davis and Bridget had other friends that they wanted to spend time with while at the Lake House.  However, because you and they were close, I still felt close and connected.  So, I started thinking about this and the word “Proximity” popped into my head. Here is the definition – nearness in space, time or relationship. So, proximity seems to sum up what we, even introverts, crave.  Maybe, especially introverts.

Love, Papa J

p.s. A poem inspired by your visit follows.

 
 Proximity 3.23.21
  
 I cannot always touch you
 Or see you, or hear you
 Yet we share 
 the same space
  
 We are at times apart
 Yet our time together 
 Is the thing that creates
 The tie that binds
  
 Our relationship 
 Ebbs and flows
 But never too far
 Does it stray
  
 This nearness in space
 This nearness in time
 Creates the proximity 
 And relationship I crave