I’ve been staring at a picture on my desktop for weeks now. It was taken by (who else?) the brilliant Sharon Navarro, during a birthday party attended by my family.
It is a picture of Ryder, but it’s also a story.
1972, Miami Beach. The weather is unbearably hot, but the waves are breaking high and heavy. The air, thick with humidity, does not bother me. I am here to play.
As I look to the shore, I catch a glimpse of the wave rider. He is waiting for me to recognize him, but I do not. Who is this old soul masquerading as a young boy? There is joyful mischief in his eyes, his posture erect with confidence. The familiarity confuses me.
“Hi there,” I call. He hears but does not move, smiling ever so slightly in response.
“Have we met?” I ask tentatively. Silence.
Then it dawns on me – and I am drowning with emotion. I am staring at a piece of my heart. I am looking at my son.

Sharon gave this picture a 70’s vibe through her custom photo finishing. I love it.
He's gorgeous!! Love this post!
What a gorgeous boy you've got there! And a gorgeous picture too – my compliments to the photog!
What a little heartbreaker. Look out ladies!
You are such a god storyteller. You should save this post for Ryder when he is older and can appreciate it.
*good
Lena…you really ought to write a book. You are such a gifted writer. I love reading your stories, especially The Gong Show and the "F($(K" story. Brilliant. As for the pics of your little ones. Anytime.
Thanks so much ladies! xoxoHUGS Runnermama. I was chatting with my gal Nadia today and she said that she and her hubby now refer to paper towels as "the f*$k". I don't think I'll ever live it down!
What a great blog Lena!…and it's so much easier to get an amazing photo when you have such an amazingly STUNNING subject – Ryder is drop dead handsome!! :-DBTW, if you DID happen to write a book…I'd buy it! (and at full price!) ;-D LOL!
Awww, thanks so much Josie! You're such a sweatheart! And speaking of gorgeous children – yours are TOO precious!