Focus

Our beloved digital camera conked out on me Thursday.

After 3 years, 3 months, 7 days and 5,442 pictures ... I was attempting to take a photo of Elizabeth, looking like she was about to do something, while sitting on the potty chair. The camera made a horrible whirling noise when I tried to turn it on and an even worse coughing noise when I turned it off. After freaking out that I'd miss capturing my child's first evacuation in a potty chair, I anxiously shook the camera a few times and tried again.

That didn't help.

Neither did pounding it with the palm of my fist and saying aloud "COME-ON!"

Luckily, Elizabeth decided that she didn't want to use the potty chair for the purpose in which it was designed. She was perfectly content to sit and watch her mother sweat bullets and question why she doesn't also have a camera phone, or why her father forgot to charge the camcorder.

I may still be lucky enough to photograph Elizabeth's first void in something other than a diaper. I'm sure she'd be terribly disappointed, if I missed capturing that monumental event on film and would hold it against me in her teenage years.

When the camera still didn't work on Friday, Saturday and Sunday ... I begrudgingly made plans to go purchase a new camera, today. I mean ... I absolutely must have a dependable camera. This blog depends upon it.

This morning, the children were playing with bubbles in the yard. They were so adorable, I wished that I could take a few pictures. Figuring I'd give my camera one last try before I sacrificed it to a pack of toddlers as a bona fide electronic "toy" ... I said a little prayer to God.

"Dear God. I really need a sign. If we are meant to stay in - or - leave this house ... please let my camera turn on."

And then, the camera turned on.

Although I was extremely grateful for the ability to take pictures, I'm not sure I understand the answer to my question. Doesn't it figure ... my hugely important plea to the Almighty One, completely lacks any specificity.

Still ... a miracle is a miracle. And our three children, with bubbles on their chins from trying to lick the wand, are proof of that.