Can Too.

Having kids is the greatest blessing ever for me. I find that most times as I am trying to teach them something I end up teaching myself along the way. One such example happened this summer and has become the foundation for our family.

Last summer I taught my son Jack how to ride his bike sans training wheels. It was a huge step for the boy, and one that brought on some anxiety and fear in the child. But we were both determined and excited to make it happen. We took off the extra two wheels, together we walked the bike down to the street and Jack hopped on. I gave him a few thoughts and instructions about peddling and steering. I grabbed the back of the seat and started running with him giving him the balance and stability that he needed, when I felt that he had it under control I let go. He sensed I wasn’t there, freaked out a little bit and and fell down. We tried this a few times each with similar results. Frustrated he looked up at me and said, “I can’t do it.”

It was at this exact moment when I realized how crippling self doubt can be. I looked back at him and said, “If you think you can’t do it, then your brain won’t let your body do it. You can do it. I know you can. We don’t say can’t in this house, we say CAN TOO.” He smiled with a renewed sense of confidence. I challenged him, “Jack, for every drive way you pass I will give you a quarter.”

He smiled. “Ok, I’ll try.” he said.

“Remember, can too.” I reassured him.

So, Jack got back on the bike and I held on for support, and off we went. We got to the first driveway and I let go. He was wobbly but stayed up peddling his little heart out. He came to the next driveway and kept on going. The third driveway he swerved a little but recovered nicely. He passed 6 houses in a row before stopping. He got off his bike, turned and looked back up the hill to me and yelled “CAN TOO!” It was one of the most amazing moments I have had, and has since become the motto for our house.

This past summer I challenged myself to run the Chicago Marathon, and as extra incentive I became a member of Team Children’s and pledged to run the race for The Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. Despite a hip-flexor that was locked and an awful calf cramp, I continued to tell myself “can too”. I finished the race with a time of 3:41:55 and a huge sense of accomplishment.

As a thank you to my sponsors I have created a limited edition screen printed poster inspired by that day with Jack, and a similar moment from my childhood. There are only 20 of these prints remaining and now you can get your own by making a donation of $30 or more at hopetogive.org.