She Doesn't Need Rose-Colored Glasses; She Can See Just Fine.
One of the so-called "perks" of the March for Babies this year was that everyone who raised at least $25 was given a ticket to the Pirates game. While I generally think I should be paid to bestow my wondrous presence on the Epic Suck that is the Succos, free isn't all that bad of a deal. So, I drug the husband and kid to the game. It was there that I took this photograph:
It's Pittsburgh, reflected perfectly in Alexis' sunglasses.
Later, looking through my photos from the day, it struck me--that photo accurately summarizes what Alexis has done for my relationship with Pittsburgh. She sees it differently than I do, with the wide-eyed wonderment and innocence that comes with being 4-years old.
When she looks at Pittsburgh, she sees big buildings, including one that she says looks like an ice castle and another that she proudly declares is where her daddy works. She doesn't see the homeless people that roam the streets.
When she looks at Pittsburgh, she sees the home of most of the people that she loves dearly. She doesn't see the corruption and stupidity that run rampant through the city government.
When she looks at Pittsburgh, she sees fun. She thinks of the joy of splashing in the Water Stairs, the rush of bike riding along the Eliza Furnace Trail, and the wonderment of all that is the Cultural District. She doesn't see deficits and unemployment and high taxes.
When she looks at PNC Park, she sees the home of her favorite baseball team, the Pittsburgh Pirates. If you ask her if they're going to win, she always says, "Yes!" Her devotion comes straight from her heart, a product of her self-built love for all that is Pittsburgh. If you don't believe me, just know that Mr. Husband is even more cynical about the Pirates' hopes for a half-decent season than I am. She believes in the Pirates despite the fact that her parents do not.
When Alexis sees Pittsburgh, she sees perfection. Thanks to her, I am constantly reminded to see it the same way.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Reader Comments (20)
Pittsburgh is perfect.... but with a whole lot of problems!
@GoBobbo--No more so than any other city . . . and the good parts definitely outweigh the problems.
I love to hear my kids scream Pittsburgh City (we have tried on many occasions to explain you don't say city) everytime we cross a bridge and they get a glimpse. I also love that my daughter thinks every creek, stream and river is the Allegheny no matter where we are.
I really liked this post - and love the photo!
My kids love Pittsburgh. They beg me all the time to go into the city - they don't care if it's downtown or one of the smaller neighborhoods - they love just walking around and taking everything in. And really - I do too.
Aw! I love this city. My husband loves this city. And I really hope our kids will look at it with the same amazement that Alexis does.
This may be one of my favorite posts ever.
I love that picture. I love this post. I sometimes even love this crazy, messed up city we live in.
I have no idea why this post made me tear up, but it did.
What a great picture, and a fantastic post as a result. Thank you for reminding me why I miss home so much, and would give anything to move back. I can't wait to teach Deacon all about it.
1. Best picture ever.
2. Kids are the best teachers. Sometimes we just have to remember to learn.
That is one fantastic picture, possibly your best ever.
Waaaaay more heart-warming than creepy doll babies.
I love this picture. I love this perspective. I would love to write in Alexis for mayor in the next election.
holy tremendous photo, batman!
and this post might be my most favoritest of any you have ever written. (that's saying something.)
Great post. One of the greatest joys I have found being a parent is seeing the world through my son's eyes. I would love to be that innocent and unjaded again.
Awesome photo and a lovely tribute to your city. It sounds like you love the 'Burgh, warts and all.
Beautiful tribute to your city and to your daughter who just miiiiight love it even more than you. :)
BUT, I have no doubt that even Alexis would think that Doug Shields has lost his ever-lovin mind.
I had the pleasure of visiting Pittsburgh for four years while my daughter attended Point Park University COPA. I love and miss Pittsburgh even more after reading this post.
http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/story?section=news/sports/pro/hockey&id=7466470
I love this post....I love the city. Walking through the city for the March for Babies was fabulous. I think one of the best things about Pittsburgh is the people in this city. We are one giant family and if you mess with one of us, you mess with all of us.
Thanks for reminding us how great the city is.
That photo is fabulous... When your girl gets older, she's gonna love all the photos you've taken of her!