When I was young, I loved watching TV and reading books. I loved escaping into an alternate world of adventure, heroism and drama. I couldn’t wait to find out what happened next in every story and eagerly looked for happy endings. It felt like the characters in the stories were truly living. There was always such intrigue and excitement. One of my favorite shows was Buffy the Vampire Slayer. How awesome is it that a regular high school girl with a secret identity gets to save the world from cataclysmic destruction arranged by scheming vampires with her kick ass moves, trusted Mr. Pointy stake and her band of witty cohorts?? My life, by comparison, seemed so boring. I was the typical Asian kid who went to school and got A’s. Ho hum. Yawn.
However, I noticed a shift the other day. Since having our little one, hubby and I haven’t had much time for TV shows, movies or anything else. On a whim, I decided to catch up on a manga I used to follow. While my baby napped, I entered a beautiful illustrated world of ridiculously cute characters and hilarious comic moments. Then I heard my little girl stirring, went to pick her up from the crib and looked at her face and tiny form. Could it be? My chubby-cheeked daughter in flesh and blood is more beautiful than any imaginary character anyone can draw. I was awed by how much I loved my reality – being the mom of this amazing little girl. Everything that it entails – dirty diapers and fussy moments and all. I’m deeply grateful for this life I get to live.