Yesterday my husband and I had 2 hours after the boys' nap time before we were hosting a birthday party for him and a friend at our house. As we attempted to multi-task and each take one boy to speed up the process, I took our oldest son with me into the store. Our shopping list only contained 2 items that easily fit into a hand-carried shopping basket. This allowed me one free hand to hold my little boy's hand as we walked along. Something felt so different though, (more than just the absence of our loud and energetic toddler).
I realized that he and I were holding hands because we wanted to, it was not out of necessity. It felt so wonderful! It was not the strong-hold grip that I once had with him when he was just learning to run. Instead, it was relaxed and comfortable, the way it should be!
Small occasions like these are so symbolic to me as a parent. Our little boy is maturing and growing up. He's still small in so many ways, but this particular example really touched my heartstrings as we walked along together, hand in hand.
I know that there will come a day when he no longer want to take a hold of my hand, it's then that memories like this that will be even more precious.
3 comments:
Sometimes errand-running is a hurried affair, and sometimes it is FUN with a 7 year old. I will truly miss rambly evenings with him running through the coatracks at the Belk's near our church where we sometimes run in to kill time. I know just what you mean. That kind of hand-holding is PRECIOUS. Capital letters needed there. :)
I remember one time walking into Kroger with my middle daughter who was a good bit younger than she is now...
we were holding hands and talking, and she said to me, "it's like your not my mom... it's like your my friend or something." I realized that they mostly know me as a hurried and hassled errand-running mom with a long to-do list! Those hand-swinging, happy trips with no list in hand are the ones we will remember best, even if they don't.
And now I'm all nostalgic and a little sad... they grow up so fast.
Yes, the day comes too soon when they dont' want to hold hands any more, so glory in it!
Awww...that is so sweet! There are still 5th graders in the car pool line that give their Moms a kiss goodbye. Hopefully, we will be one of those moms one day! ~Shan
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