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The Thrill Of Discovery
Through the eyes of babies and children
There’s a beautiful framed print hanging in my bedroom that I’ve had for more than twenty years. It’s by the American artist Robert Duncan, entitled Mother and Son. A young mother in a long white nightgown, her reddish-brown hair tucked up messily, holds a baby up to a window. The baby, wearing footie pajamas, is transfixed by whatever it is that he sees outside, a mystery to the viewer. (I don’t want to infringe on any copyrights, but the link to the artist’s store is here if you’d like to see it: http://www.robertduncanstudios.com/open-edition-prints/mother-and-son)
I saw the print for the first time at my aunt’s house when I was a teenager and fell in love with it, so when I spotted a framed copy at an art fair, I snatched it up. The picture reminds me of some of my very favorite parenting times: discovery and wonder. I like to think that the baby is seeing snow for the first time, or perhaps a deer has wandered into the yard. Whatever it is, it’s obvious that they are sharing a special moment together.
Experiencing a “first” with a young child is one of the best things in the world, whether it be snow, Christmas lights, or finger painting. Their innocence and absolute wonder at new things is infectious and pure.
