Tag Archives: Parenting

Best Kid Ever

Rotten day, yesterday. Worst day of my career. I’ve never seen a more ridiculous set of adults in my life. I’ll leave it there. Left work early. Picked up the lad from school.

The goal: Do not cry. Do not cry. Do not cry.

I cried.

L: “Mom, what’s wrong? Why are you sad?”

M: “Some people at work weren’t very nice to me. You know when you’re really good at something and no one can see it? That’s what it felt like. Felt like I was embedded in a world of aliens.”

L: “I’m so sorry, mom. I don’t want you to be sad. I love you. You’re the most amazing person I know. And I think  you’re really good at what you do.”

M: “Thanks, sweetie. That means everything to me.”

L: “I’ll be very sensitive to you. Let’s go do my homework. Then we’ll sit together under a blanket and you can put your head on my shoulder and hopefully you’ll feel better.”

M: “I’m sure I will.”

Checkmate

M: “It’s time to sign up for chess club.”

L: “Oh, man, seriously? Please… Not this time.”

M: “But you’re so good at it. I wish I could play like you. Why not?”

L: “If you were to eat the same thing every single day of your life, it would get boring, right? It wouldn’t be zesty anymore, right? That’s what chess feels like to me right now. It’s the same thing over and over. Can I please take a break?”

Well said. He did win his last tournament. Maybe someday…

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Shorn

Finally, a much-needed hair cut. Being a nut, I shun the usual Super Duper Easy Cuts and go for something a bit different. I love his hair. It’s beautiful. Not as blonde or as curly as it once was, but abundant, lovely hair.

Let’s keep it long. Just a touch off the sides. Maybe…?

Haircutter: “L, who’s in charge of your hair? You or your mom?”

L: “Hmmm… That’s a good question. She made me. I guess you’d better ask her.”

 

Seven Past, Eight Now

I documented L’s last evening as a seven year old. I took treats to his class the next day. His school has a great tradition of asking if anyone would like to share something they appreciate about the birthday kid. Some of the responses:

“L is a great friend and is always by my side when I need him.”

“L is my best friend.”

“If anyone ever needs any help, L’s there.”

“L is really, really funny.”

“I love how creative he is. He’s helping me learn to draw.”

“L taught me more than I ever knew about gas masks.” (Said by his teacher.)

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Take My Moment

For a seriously articulate kid, one who knows the definitions and/or history of:

-Philanthropic
-Tautology
-Ethereal
-Maladjusted
-Eccentric
-Misconstrued
-Lusitania
-Sopwith Camel
-Corsair
-GeeBee
….and of course, Zombie

It’s so utterly heartbreaking to have him reach the end of his rope, end of the day, still not able to say “I’m tired” and describe a series of mishaps as:

“I’m so sad. I had a great day. And now I’m really struggling with the last part of my day.”

And he bursts into tears.

These are the moments when I’d give anything, everything to trade places. To have him know that this is a moment that will pass, that there will be many moments like this one.

As if I would have heard any of that when I was seven and just having a rough couple of hours.

Onward.

sad eyes