I proudly embrace the title of “the muddy puddles mom,” but it hasn’t always been that way.
On July 4, 2010, I found myself at a backyard gathering with my two young boys. My eldest, Jake, was just 2 years old, while my youngest, Noah, was only 2 months old. As the evening sun began to set, a friend called me over, beaming with laughter. When I arrived, there stood Jake, gleefully splashing in a muddy puddle, his delight as infectious as a child on Christmas morning.
Internally, I was panicking. I hadn’t packed any spare clothes, we had a long drive ahead, and I dreaded the thought of a muddy car seat. Bath time was out of the question, and I was already exhausted from chasing after him while caring for Noah.
Yet, outwardly, I managed a smile. I tried to set aside my worries and focus on the joy radiating from my son. I wanted to share in the laughter of those around me, even if they were spared the aftermath of wet clothes and a whiny toddler throughout the car ride home. Surprisingly, Jake didn’t complain about his wet clothes at all. We returned home late, cleaned his hands and feet as best we could, and let him sleep dirty—no harm done. Looking back five years later, I’m grateful I chose to embrace that moment; it was one of the few times he got to relish such a simple childhood joy, something I didn’t know would be so rare.
Just two months later, Jake was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive brain tumor. The news was devastating. He had seemed like a perfectly healthy, energetic little boy, so the idea of cancer was unfathomable.
Over the next two and a half years, he endured 20 surgeries and spent 260 nights in a hospital. After his first treatment, he was too weak to walk again, and every time he showed signs of recovery, another setback would land him back in a hospital bed. Cancer is an unforgiving foe.
During this time, I often watched Noah grow under the care of our supportive friends and family, who stepped in so I could be with Jake. I missed out on many typical moments of motherhood, yet when I did experience them, every single moment felt infinitely more precious. Each sloppy kiss and handprint on the window became a cherished memory. My parenting perspective was forever altered, and for that, I am thankful.
Jake had a sweet little voice and would say he felt “all bedda,” even when in pain, not wanting anyone to worry about him. One day, I asked him what he wanted to do when he was feeling better. His response? “I’m gonna jump in a MUDDY PUDDLE!”
That simple statement struck a chord with me. I wanted to share this with parents everywhere, reminding them that countless children are unable to enjoy the simple pleasures of childhood. We should honor those kids by stepping back and allowing our own children to embrace their playful instincts.
To support this cause, my husband and I created The Muddy Puddles Project, a fundraising initiative aimed at supporting childhood cancer research through the Ty Louis Campbell Foundation. We declared April 1st as National Jump in Muddy Puddles Day! We invite you to join us—snap photos of your kids having fun in puddles and share them on our Muddy Puddles Project website or Facebook page. Let’s raise awareness together!
Encourage your kids to jump in muddy puddles, play with finger paints, and get messy. Before you know it, they’ll grow up, and wet clothes and dirty shoes will be seen as nothing but inconveniences. Remember, the concept of a muddy puddle isn’t confined to just water; whatever your “muddy puddle” is, face it head-on and leap in!
Cancer affects one in two men, one in three women, and one in 300 children. So, what’s YOUR muddy puddle?
In summary, allowing children to embrace their playful nature not only fosters joy but also creates lasting memories. The Muddy Puddles Project encourages parents to celebrate childhood by engaging in fun, messy activities, while also supporting crucial cancer research.