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I must've missed it that day I opened the package containing the little pink frames my daughter would wear to correct her vision. Maybe it was hiding in the packaging or perhaps it was written in fine print on the receipt that came with them.
But I somehow must have overlooked our membership letter to the coolest club around. If it hadn't have been for our recent trip to the Wisconsin Dells, I never would've known we were already members.
Will, Audrey and I took a sunset walk on the path around the resort we stayed at. We decided to get Audrey changed into her pajamas before heading back downstairs to join the rest of our family around the fire pit to cook s'mores, so we made our way to the lobby. As we got closer, I saw a man with his two children sitting on the bench just outside the sliding doors. I saw the boy ask his father something, then he came running towards us with a full grin spread across his face.
"Can I get a fist bump!? I love her glasses! What's her name?" His sister, Bella, followed just behind.
The little boy named Wyatt, who sported clear frames himself, connected with us because he noticed Audrey's little glasses. He too was a part of this unspoken club. After striking up a conversation with his mom and dad, I found out he became a member at just 18 months old. His mom gave great tips of ways she got Wyatt adjusted to wearing his glasses--distraction, putting frames on him while he slept so he would adjust to the weight on his face and how she never resorted to putting paper towel rolls on his arms so he couldn't reach his face to take the glasses off.
Wyatt and his sister Bella were so sweet. They were having a great time on their vacation and weren't ready to go home the next day (which Will, Audrey and I could totally relate to just a couple days later). I was so in love with how excited Wyatt was to see another child with glasses like himself. Wyatt, Bella and their parents were a joy to talk with and they absolutely made my night.
So, that's when I first realized the club existed. Only those who have gone through the experience of getting their small children fittted with lenses can truly understand what it's like. We share this common bond. We know what it took to get where we are today and we can share the joy that is being able to help give our child a chance at better vision.
And if that wasn't already cool enough, we met more members of the club the next night--a family we saw in passing at The Moose Jaw restaurant. We were waiting at the entry for a table as they were making their exit. This couple had two small children (maybe 1 1/2 years old) both outfitted with Miraflex frames, like Audrey's. The little girl's frames were even the same shade of pink. The mom made a quick comment along the lines of "Oh, look! She has little glasses like yours!" We exchanged smiles as they continued on their way.
These moments, while they may seem small to most, really have made an impact on me and have made Audrey's first vacation even that much more special.
So, if I had to imagine what that membership letter would've said, I think it would've been this:
"Welcome to the club! These glasses, in addition to making you look adorable, will help others recognize you and your parents as proud members. Others in the club may provide support and encouragement as you are encouraged to share support and stories with other members--especially those who are new. We are excited to have you and look forward to watching you grow and flourish with your new lenses. Again, welcome & congratulations! Sincerely, the Little Frames Club."