As the Spirit Moves Me
By Pam Burns-Clair

Miles Above it All

March 3, 2006

I had the perk in the middle of my workday yesterday of having a bite to eat with my friend Anna, while ordering some of her aromatherapy product refills, and her adorable 2 ½ month old cherub, Miles.  During our conversation I brought up something about the onslaught of distressing news of the day, and she confessed, “I’m clueless—I’ve been uninformed,” to which I chimed in—“That’s for the best.  You focus on bouncing the baby.”  I concur that new mothers need to shield themselves from toxins in the environment—both those that might be ingested or inhaled—and those that might pollute their minds or distress their psyches.  Anna shared her philosophy of peacemaking, a quote from Mother Teresa that has struck me before when I feel overwhelmed by the state of the world:

“What can you do to promote world peace: go home and love your family.”

Soon our lunch gave way to wrapping up our interlude—Anna had to change Miles and get ready to go pick up her older son from school, and I had to head back to my office to see clients.  I had the honor of holding Miles while she gathered up what she needed.  While I was commenting on how his head seemed stronger now—like those bobble-head characters that decorated the dash of cars in the 60’s--she told me a story of how someone had recently held Miles out prone, face up, only to realize he wasn’t quite ready to support his head in that position!  No sooner did she tell me that story than he lurched backwards from being upright on my shoulder, yawned and supported his head with his own muscle power!  I squealed, acknowledging his victory, and he broke into a big grin, staring up at the ceiling.  The grin got wider—he was clearly pleased with himself or perhaps having an amusing conversation with invisible spirits—I started giggling, then he broke into a squeal and a chuckle, which had both Anna and me giggling so hard we couldn’t leave!  His eyes were so sleepy yet his grin was undaunted…complete with dimples…it was too precious!  Finally, reluctantly, I placed him in his car seat for his departure, and within seconds he was out—exhausted by his milestone.

So if I can just remember when I get brought down by politics and corruption to let Miles of smiles lift my spirits…