An every day miracle. from Patti Digh on Vimeo.
Tess tied her shoes all by herself for the very first time in her life today.
She drew instructions for herself. Then tied her shoes.
Shortly thereafter, there was a celebratory cake with candles and much riotous shoe-tying on shoes of all sizes. 
Excellent milestone! Kudos, Tess! Congrats, Patti, on having an accomplished daughter!
I bought candles today to put in my purse for just such occasions.
Cheers!
How could I have forgotten that something I do so effortlessly and thoughtlessly once had to be learned laboriously? This was a lovely reminder.
I also love the way you celebrate all the milestones–both big and small. It has become something I’m aspiring to.
Oh my god! I thought that the video topped all cuteness in the world until I scrolled down and saw the instructions!!! It is one thing if we learn how to do something. It is quite another if we can diagram it for other’s instruction!! Patti! She is your mini-me! You learn stuff, feel so happy it, and then diagram it for the rest of us. That’s what you do! Gifts. Gifts. You and Tess are gifts to the world.
very cute, patti. i love your whispered ‘perfect’ after she finished tying the first one. congratulations tess!
Way to go Tess! Shoe tying is such an important life skill. I am so happy you didn’t go for the velcro stuff. And like many life skills, it gets easier as life goes on.
Patti,
Could Tess please come to my house and teach my boys to tie their shoes? I think they’d be more inclined to take instruction from her.
Precious, Patti, oh my goodness. Is there anything better than watching a young child do something for themselves? Congratulations to Tess! And a celebration cake, too!
What lovely instructions, by the way. That Tess, she could be a thinker/doer/drawer… ;-)
Tess–
You ROCK!! Big congrats!
When I get old and can’t tie my shoes, will you come help me?
Right now I’m wearing my aqua hightops in celebration of your graduation!
I love the proud look on Tess’s face after Mom whispers “Perfect,” and again when she completes tying both shoes.
There’s something about a child feeling proud that so touches my heart…. Good going, Tess!
Now I know why it took my grandson 10 years to be able to tie his shoes: I was unable to provide an accurate diagram. Thanks so much, Tess. Future generations of young shoe-tiers will laud your name.
It would have been cool to see k.d. lang live… but this beats any concert! Everything happens for a reason, and I’m sure you’re glad you were still in Asheville for this. :) I was cheering her on during the whole video… go Tess!
OK I am 46 (and 1/2) and your daughter and I have the same shoes — hmmm.
Can she tie mine for me?
Tessie is so lucky to have a mom that makes the everyday into the celebratory.
I remember learning how to tie my shoes – we were getting carpet installed and I was sitting on the rolled-up bolt as I did it.
The idea that she will remember it as a festival makes me happy just thinking about it. You’re such a cool mom.
hurray for tess!! she is one lucky girl to have a mom that celebrates her every step (or tie).
I sighed, and somehow remember how difficult a task it was to learn. I have not yet bought your book, but visit your blog often and am working on the 37 Days attitude when something bothers, frustrates, angers me and seeing this video will also now have me following it when something good happens, too!
there is a very fine line between that which is BIG and that which is “big” (in italics…)
thank you for celebrating that.
i used to have 2 “bibles” on my shelf..
“women who run with the wolves”
“zen mind, beginner’s mind”
and now I have three…..
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In 2005, Patti Digh started her blog, 37days, following the death of her stepfather who died just 37 days after being diagnosed with cancer. Six books about living mindfully followed. And there’s more to come.
