Taking Time

8/11/2015 0 Comments   His hand curves in mine while we walk.  We stop to find tadpoles and point to orange fish darting under the lily pads.  His mind is full of wonder and he is eager to push his limits and find adventure around every bend.  I am merely here to enjoy him; to be present as he shares his dreams and concerns with tomorrow.  He laughs and demands that we take an 'us-ie'.  He tells me his likes and dislikes, shares with me the times I was too harsh and hurt his feelings.  It's here, in the in between time, that all the truth can come out.  He can tell his story without fear of my response and I am given the unique opportunity to connect, to mend, to heal. I often find myself caught in the busy-ness of the day, my children the common casualty of a life rushing by.  It's easy to miss them as commitments demand more than we have to give.  A quick hug here and there is valuable, but slowing down and sitting on a park bench to find out all the wonders that fill their world is my favorite thing to do.  I love being trusted with dreams.  I love finding out what occupies the mind of my child, and I want to always make time to give him all of me. The only boy of my three, the one who will conquer worlds and subdue foes.  The one who laughs when I act a fool and for this brief moment fiercely believes I am the most beautiful woman in the world.  He smiles a sly grin as we start a Mariokart race, he knows he'll win, but I'll try valiantly.  In this moment of color flashing and noise crashing, I feel his little body warm next to mine and I am fully here, fully with him - loving what he loves.  When it's time to share me with the rest of the family and his arms hold me close, I freeze the dream and pray I'll remember forever this boy who made me a mother.