when one questions their ability to parent a child. When your six year old rolls his eyes at you and stalks off in a huff, or your two year old screams, "Nooooooooooooooooooooo!" at the top of her lungs when she does not want to do your bidding...
Yes, we all have those days. And of late, this seems to be more the norm than not for me. But today changed things.
We took a late drive to Leamington tonight to have a quick visit with my dad. Aili had not had a nap, and Connor had not gotten much sleep the night before, at a sleep-over with his pal, Liam. The visit was short but sweet, and on our way home, my wonderful husband, without me saying a word, turned into the cemetary where my mother is resting. It was on my mind, having not been able to drive out there this week for her birthday.
As we pulled up, I asked Connor if he wanted to come with me. Gary stayed in the car with Aili. As we approached her tombstone, we noticed that Dad had left a card for Mom, and in it, under the pre-printed lines, "and I love you", he had written "For ever". This brought tears to my eyes, as my father has never been overly affectionate but had other ways of letting you know that he loved you.
Connor asked what the card was for and when I explained that Nonno had put it there for Nonna's birthday, he fell silent for a moment. Then he took off the bracelet that he had received earlier that day, walked over to her tombstone and placed it over the lamp and said, "Happy Birthday, Nonna".
As he walked away towards the car, I began to cry silently, thanking God for that little sign that I am doing something right in raising such a loving, compassionate child.
This is such a beautiful story! Treasure this moment forever. Your mother must be proud of you also right now.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful.
ReplyDeleteoh Sue, how incredibly sweet, I am bawling my eyes out here and trying to type throught the tears. Children may not behave the way we always want them to, but how precious his actions were and what an incredible memory he has created for you!!!
ReplyDeleteBless his heart!!!
HUGS! Hang in there, while they can be so precious they are your biggest challenge, but what a darling son you have and thanks for sharing your story. I was so touched by the heart shared by your Father and your son!
ReplyDeleteTears of happiness and sadness being shed here too Sue. Thanks for sharing such a private and beautiful memory .
ReplyDeleteHow sweet! You made me cry too, Sue - you are incredible and have the most amazing family. ((( HUGS ))), Special One!
ReplyDeleteWiping tears away, that was lovely Sue!!!
ReplyDeleteaw! that just made me cry!! I am so glad that you got to see that in your son! You are definitly doing something right!!!
ReplyDeleteYou have me in tears here too Sue! You are such a good mom its wonderful to see that you have such a soft hearted loving little boy! Your mom would be so proud!
ReplyDeleteOh Sue, I'm so glad you got to experience that moment with Connor. You are a wonderful mom, raising beautiful children, be so proud of yourself. And I'm sure it made your mom smile too - such a simple gesture but filled with so much thoughtfulness. Hugs to you, big, big hugs.
ReplyDeleteOh that is wonderful. A wonderful moment with Connor. Hope that you write that down for him so he remembers it too. Hope you are filled with good memories of your mom too.
ReplyDeleteI have seen it myself...you are such a great Mom! Keep on doing it YOUR way.
ReplyDeleteOh my word, typing this with tears in my eyes - (((HUGS)))
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