The Song of The Zebra

Yes, today’s life lesson involves zebras. Have you ever really seen a Zebra? They are gorgeous, striking with their black and white that glide in motion across their smooth muscular bodies. They’re bold, bright and beautiful.  Incredible in their uniqueness that, once seen, is never confused with another typical horse or donkey or whatever you would classify them as.  And my 4 year old loves them.  I mean, LOVES them.

Here’s the thing about Zebras. Many people mistakenly think of them in terms of a horse, with wild stripes. That’s not exactly correct. A zebra is more like a donkey. They’re smaller than horses. They are very difficult to train. But what has made them my lesson for the day is the way they sound. Imagine it. What would a cross between a donkey and a horse sound like? Let me tell you. It’s kinda like a he-haw on Prozac. Louder and faster than the winy of a horse.  More constant and repetitive than the bray of a donkey.   And let me tell you, it is exceptionally irritating in the voice of a not-so-dainty 4 year old, galloping around the house in the loudest pair of clogs she owns. Even better, is waking up to it at 6:30 in the morning.  Every. Single. Morning. For three weeks in a row….
So, zebras are the newest tactic in teaching me patience with my child. Forbearance an self control when I want to scream at the noise and hide in my room with a latte and headphones. Most of all the Zebra phase is teaching me to stop. Ignore how completely obnoxious it is. Refuse to let it steal the focus of how I see my child.
I take a deep breath and ponder the wonder of how blessed I am. My daughter is healthy. She is creative and confident. She is active and enjoying every moment of life, out loud. And… she hasn’t asked for a Barbie or a Bratz doll. She doesn’t want makeup and boyfriends yet. All she wants is more Zebras…