My back is turned to him, but I hear his steps as he approaches.
Without turning to look at him, he says, "Mom, can you tie this?".
I’m in the middle of a cleaning frenzy–company’s coming tomorrow, friends we haven’t seen in years, and I want them to sense how welcome they are by everything being ready for their arrival.
Irritated and not turning to face him, I begin a practiced Mother response when clearly what I’m doing is much more important than his need.
With voice unnecessarily raised I begin "You KNOW how to tie things–do you really think I need to stop what I’m doing to–" as I turn around to face him with a scowl on my face.
He’s standing there with an over-inflated pink balloon, disappointment creeping into his eyes, because if he COULD tie it, he would have. I begin, "Can’t your sister…" as he completes my thought for me–"…I asked her but she’s cleaning her room."
In that moment, the more important of the two tasks crystallized, taking form and settling in my heart. I realized this is my youngest; hardly a baby to the casual onlooker, but forever my baby. This is the 11-year-old who gently reminded me the tooth fairy needed to come last night because she "forgot" the night before (I knew he "knew" and had no idea he was hopeful, expectant, wishful thinking).
I smiled, walked over to him, and tied his balloon. He wanted to show me his magnets–one on the inside, one on the out.
And then I went back to mopping.
That was kind of sad when I read it and I felt really bad for your son (a most handsome young man) – then I realized I do that to my kids every day and I got over the sad.
It really was touching.
Yes – I have read the post about the special relationship that you and Candy have. I love that show, but after the 10th episode from Netflix my infatuation is waning.
Sometimes we need reminding.
“I want them to sense how welcome they are by everything being ready for their arrival.”
This is the best explanation I have ever heard of why to clean for company. Thank you.
And the choice you made? Spot on!
I think we all have days like these! I am so happy that you did stop and help him though! It does not take much to stop for a minute and as Pamela says “The dust will wait!”
And guess what? It does! Well, mine sure is…I actually have the house to myself this morning and should be cleaning, but I am here blogging instead! Perhaps I am taking the statement a little too casually myself!
What a fun activity – the magnets, I mean.
BTW – He is one gorgeous little man.
As a teacher of 11 year olds, the girls are probably ga-ga over him. Look for girls to be dialing his digits with amazing regularity soon, if it hasn’t already happened! Jr. High girls are relentless these days!
So nicely written cool experiment !
Oh, I have had one of those tooth fairy incidents…actually more than once. I totally suck sometimes!
Anyhow, thanks for your kind comment! I appreciate your prayers. I know that God has given me this gift to share so I just want to give it ALL to him and then I know He will make it perfect!
Take care and have a great weekend Robin!
*sob*
Ha! Glad I stopped by. What a wonderful story… and he’s SO cute. He definitely looks like you Robin. Watch out girls!
BTW, based on all your previous posts, I think you have a cooking show in your future. Sure, why not?
(Ever seen the Julia Child exhibit in the Smithsonian? It’s amazing… her kitchen as it was.) :~D
Hugs, e-Mom
What a cool idea your son had! He must as bright as he is handsome!
Yeah, I can relate! As mine get older, I wish I had stopped or slowed down at them little moments. We get so caught up with life, we forget the small things! Good for you stopping and enjoying the small things!
HAPPY MOTHERS DAY A FEW DAYS EARLY!!!
This just confirms what I expected all along, Robin. We’re kindred spirits who have the same practices in many things, especially parenting. I find too often that I’m putting what I think is important before the kids. The cleaning? It will always be there. The kids will not.
Blessings to you good momma. You’re doing really well.
Ug… If I had a nickel for every time that happened to me, I could afford a cleaning lady.
What a good looking kid. I don’t think this made you Jerky, just a busy mom. We all get like that.
Be blessed.
Jennifer