I was a nanny. I loved every minute of it. I feel like it was the most important thing I ever did. The family, The Getz'...amazing family in Portland. John and Karen taught me that marriage can be good and fun and healthy and exciting and all those things that I never knew marriage could be. That the big things, the big decisions, should all just feel like the next natural thing to do. They were and are still my inspiration. And then they had Evan, well, because it just seemed like the next natural thing to do. And then 6 months into his life, I became his first nanny.
Evan just hung around on his back and gurgled and smiled and made funny noises. I worked hard to read to him, entertain him, talk to him. Karen came in the room one day and said, "Hey, he doesn't do much right now, so you can just chill." It turns out that he liked me better when he got a little down time away...sounds like most men I know.
Karen ended up being an inspiration without even knowing it. I loved her way of parenting. I agreed with her discipline styles. In the words of Teddy Roosevelt...she spoke softly, but carried a big stick.
So, Evan grew up, and we had even more fun. We'd take one adventure everyday. Go to the park and climb together...or for a while, he'd climb, while I'd wait to catch him. We'd get on the local train and just ride it while he said train about 500 times. My attempts to teach him spanish would always end up the same way...I'd pointed to a banana and say, "Platano, platano." Squeals, many squeals of laughter. I probably confused the crap out of him. And everyday when I arrived, when he finally learned to run, he'd take a running start when I'd come to the door, and jump into my arms. I would melt.
And then one day a year or so later, I became too busy with freelance to nanny anymore. The Getz' found a new wonderful nanny (I'm still the favorite, right? I'd ask). And they had another boy, Cameron. Another BEAUTIFUL child, who had his own unique personality that charmed me too.
And then I got a call I'll never forget. My entire stomach dropped to the floor. I never knew what that meant. I never understood why people said, "Are you stitting down?" It was to carry the weight of the biggest pit in your stomach you could ever feel.
Evan had Leukemia. Leukemia. But, he's perfect. But, he's amazing. But, he's SO little. But, he doesn't understand. But, he's mine...I thought. I was his first nanny. This can't be happening.
But, Evan was smothered in love...and they got through it. Evan was a champ. Evan survived. He did more than survive. He lived, full. Just like he always did. And still does.
And here's where I tug on the strings a little more.
Please help more Evans...because not everyone will be as lucky as Evan.
