That is the younger of my two sons. I have referred to him in the past as Dr. Destructo. But he is now in need of a new nickname.
This young man astonished me today in a way for which I was completely unprepared. I always knew that he was something special. He said his first word, crawled and walked early. He loves people and collects friends wherever he goes. Then he remembers all of their names and asks after them. He is brave and vulnerable at the same time. And he is smart. My gosh is he smart.
But back to today.
I won't go into details, except to say that this little man is capable of mountains of love and forgiveness, hugely out of proportion to his diminutive size. His elder brother apologized to him today (it was a serious apology, if you get my drift) and told him what he would do to make the situation up to his little brother. And from the little one? No gloating, no anger, no temper. He listened quietly while his big brother read a letter of apology, looked at him with all the love in the world, said "thank you; you're so nice!" and then gave him drawings and other little gifts to make him feel good.
All I can say is this: I have struggled throughout my life to become a better person. To be as positive and forgiving and non-judgmental as I can possibly be, sometimes with mixed results. But my four year old son? He has already surpassed me. And I am in awe of him.
What a wonderful story! He sounds old beyond his years. I felt close to the same emotions when at Christmas, my then 4 year old dropped a doll that she truly coveted into the donation bin for needy children without any hint of sadness or regret. There's a lot under the hood, even at that tender age!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the kind words about my state fair post and about Oregon. I was so pleased that it did well!
What a wonderful son you have! And cute too.
ReplyDeleteThis is why kids teach US so much! Please give your guy an extra hug for all of us for being such a good guy. He's been inspiring today to more than one grown up...and these strengths certainly help you on the trying days, too!
ReplyDeleteGreat story. You are clearly doing something right to raise such a wonderful, caring son. Ihave laughed at your stories of "Mr. Destructo"because I have one of those, too... and my son is 3 1/2... so this gives me hope! ha ha...
ReplyDeleteThe other day I was crying, and he came over to me and gives me a big hug and says "I love you, Mommy"...
He looks just like you!
ReplyDeleteWhat a cute - and wonderful sounding - little boy! Look at it this way, you must be doing something right, for him to be so wise, so young.
ReplyDeleteMaybe you should rename him Dr. Complexo, since he is more than just a "Destructo"!
What a wonderful story! I love to hear about the things children say and do. They really are amazing sometimes. You are definitely doing something right. He wouldn't display such forgiveness if he hadn't heard/seen it from you. =)
ReplyDeleteThat is one special kid. You should hold on to that one... ;)
ReplyDeleteI love it when I get to learn from my children, and they don't even know they are teaching... Moments to live for.
ReplyDeleteThat's the kind of mushy stuff I love to hear. What a great little guy!
ReplyDeleteSo touching, what a sweet interaction. He sounds like a little wise man!
ReplyDeleteIt's hardwarming that there are such nice people like your young son out there. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteWell, heck. What a wonderful kid. I've got tears in my eyes, and I didn't even see it.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a true keeper. Congrats on two fantastic kids. One that can apologize and one whom knows not to gloat. And if the tables turned I am sure it would be mirrored.
ReplyDeleteFab-0! Take care.
Both of them so young and both acting so grown up. Well done boys !
ReplyDeleteForgiving someone in such a way can be very hard for us adults, but look at him, he did it effortless ! He sure has a big heart your boy.
Kids, they never stop amazing us !
Children express themselves so well - I love listening!
ReplyDeleteYou have two generous, loving sons: not only the younger one's graceful acceptance of his brother's apology, but the older one's reaching out with a formal letter of apology. As Jen said, we learn so much from our children. They truly are wise little beings. And you know what? They'll become wonderful men and you'll still be in awe of them. You're a good mama!
ReplyDeleteChildren learn from example. It takes some one special to apologize and someone just as special to accept (and mean it). They had a good model, you. Thanks for sharing the story you touched my heart and brought back sweet memories of when my own two boys were younger.
ReplyDeleteAww, what a cutie and a sweet story. I was struck by how much he looks like you, in the eyes!
ReplyDeleteIt's at moments like these that we can tell our kids, 'you make me proud to be your mom!'
ReplyDeleteOh how sweet!!! Maybe that is why we are told "to become as a little child." We would be much better people if we could follow their example. However, he has to have had an awesome Mother in order to have that tenderness within his heart in the first place. We should marvel at you as well.
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet boy!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comment. I finished it Friday night, and just posted about it.
The world needs more people like your sons and their mother.
ReplyDeleteAmazing what we can learn from our children. Thanks for sharing this happy story.
ReplyDeleteIt is so amazing to me the life lessons that we learn from the children in our lives. Your son is not only adorable, but honorable.
ReplyDeleteWhat a truly wonderful son you have - and he's ever so cute too! It's amazing how much kids can teach us, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteRosemary- He's a fine young man.
ReplyDeleteEvery once in a while, I catch a glimpse of niceness between my son and daughter.
Makes you feel like you did something right- in the jungles of being a parent.
What a wonderful story! I've found with the little ones we can really learn so much from them because their emotions and actions are so pure, whether they are crawling up to you to get snuggles or tearing up a book! I loved this story! Thanks for brightening my Monday!
ReplyDelete*sniff* Darn, Rosemary, you've almost got me crying over here! How absolutely sweet! There are people who are 80 years-old who don't have that kind of forgiveness in them, you know. He is really special.
ReplyDeleteWow, if only everyone were like your little boy. He must have one heck of a mom!
ReplyDeleteI love how much more patient children can be than adults. He sounds like a wonderful boy. Is the letter thing something you do or did your older son write a letter on his own. What a great idea.
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet little guy! And such a cutie :) I love the story, we could all learn from him!
ReplyDeleteA beautiful boy, inside and out.
ReplyDeleteWay to go Mama!!!
wow! it takes a great mom to raise such a phenomenal kid. and he's a cutie, too! =)
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