Initially, I had a little mommy guilt about taking away the parade from him. Instead of getting to sit and watch it and fill a bag full of candy, he was going to have to be in the hot sun, possibly behind loud fire trucks, not getting any candy. But you know what? My little boy loved his first taste of GIVING. Instead of asking why he didn't get a bag of candy, he thrived on throwing candy to help fill the bags of other kids. All he's done since is talk about how much fun he had being in the parade. Instead of getting a bag of candy, he got a t-shirt... one that he didn't want to take off, but he also got a lesson in giving and how good it can feel. I am so proud of him.
My other little boy spent the entire parade in the Ergo, looking like this, drawing a laugh from an ironworker walking with us. Tommy OF COURSE had his hands in my mouth, and he teased me to take my fingers out of my mouth, then told me I should just bite them and he'd take them out. I assured him that I have tried biting many times, and he just won't get those fingers out of mama's mouth. And so, he slept while I passed out beads to excited children, and also to 80 year old women who apparently are really into bead necklaces? Or maybe just into tickling baby's feet, because they all smiled and tickled a sleeping Tommy's toes.
Then, we went to Shane's aunt's funeral, who was suddenly, inexplicably gone too soon. Shane read the 23rd psalm at her service and though he was so brave and his voice didn't even waver once, I was sniffing back big tears (especially when he read, "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the House of the Lord forever")We're still trying to wrap our minds around it, but at her service, one of her requests was a moment of peace... for everyone to turn to those around them and offer hugs. How beautiful. I didn't know the people sitting around us, so I hugged and kissed Shane, and then hugged the girl next to me, a total stranger. How many times do you hug someone you don't know? Not often, but it felt good and right. And so of all the lessons I carry with me, yesterday taught me the importance of giving and holding tight to the life that surrounds you, because there is so much life.
Today, get out and give hugs. As many as you can.
7 comments:
The parade looks like fun! How wonderful for you to get to enjoy seeing Luke GIVE and be content with it. That is a wonderful thing!
Again, so sorry about Shane's Aunt. But I think that moment of peace and hugs? About the most lovely thing I have ever heard of. I want that too. We should all really do it everyday, what a blessing for her to pass on to those who will miss her.
Admit something:
Everyone you see, you say to them, "Love me."
Of course you do not do this out loud; otherwise, someone would call the cops.
Still, though, think about this, this great pull in us to connect.
Why not become the one who lives with a full moon in each eye that is always saying, with that sweet moon language, what every other eye in this world is dying to hear?
With that Sweet Moon Language
by Hafiz
Your boy is a doll. I love how generous he is:)
I am so sorry for your loss. Keeping you in my thoughts!
Oh, Erin. I have big, heavy tears right now, because I too, understand about holding on and hugging strangers. When you're grieving, strangers become friends. Hugs become lifelines.
Sending you a hug. A long one, where neither person wants to pull away. xo.
I'm so sorry for your loss and I'm so glad you have those sweet boys to bring you joy.
Beautiful message on such a bittersweet day. I am so sorry for your loss... and inspired by your message. You have another angel... xo
What a good lesson for Luke and how beautiful that he embraced it so willingly and generously!
Tommy's picture is adorable and this whole post is great!
Your aunt must have been a wise and wonderful woman to request a moment of peace in her service - so beautiful. I'm sorry you had to lose her so soon.
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