I know I owe the blog stories, and photos and all that jazz, but I must write about TODAY so I don't forget. So I don't forget when the boys are driving me crazy and each other crazy. So I don't forget when they say mean things to each other and do mean things to each other. So I don't forget THIS MOMENT that makes parenting all worth-while.
So, here goes. Andrew has a rash on his tummy - large spots all over. Took him to the doc and he has a virus (this was last week). So, today, he gets home from school and the backs of his knees and legs are a terrible red and hurt him badly. He says, "I bery hurt." It looks like he had some sort of freak reaction or something. It feels very hot to the touch - maybe eczema with the cold making it worse??? If he is not well tomorrow we will head back to the doc. But, that is not really the story, but you need to know the details.
He is puny and says his spots itch, so I give him a dose of benadryl, pile in my bed with him and read books. He is feeling mellow and we move to the family room where he lounges on the sofa. His legs are exposed so they can air out (in case his pants irritate it) and the other boys are quite distressed over his ailment.
I tell the boys it is time for dinner and that is when it started, Blake goes to the sofa (on his own) and ask, "hey, buddy" (in a sing-song kind of voice) "do you need help to the table, here, let me help you up." He takes Andrew's hands and pulls him to a carry position. With that he says, "aw, just come on, let me carry you." So 40 pound Blake holds out his arms to 40 pound tub of Andrew and Andrew's arms and legs fly around Blake's neck and waist. Jeff and I are standing in the kitchen watching and taking in the sights.
Brantley (at the table) says, here, "Blake, let me pull a chair out for him."
It was one of those moments that take your breath away. Innocence and kindness. Beauty.
And it even gets better. We all settle around the table and I announce it is time to say the blessing. This, lately has been Andrew's job and it is very sweet in itself to hear repeat a prayer. With that, Blake announces, "Mom, Andrew can't pray tonight. We need to pray over him to feel better." And with THAT, Jeffrey says that he'll do it and prays for our meal and prays healing for his brother.
I can hardly stand it. Jeff and I tell the boys how we proud we are of them - looking out for each other - being kind - doing the right thing - all the things we have been talkng about to them. Blake then says, "mom, when I picked Andrew up, I looked down at his face and he had the BIGGEST GRIN. It does feel good to help others"
Bliss, my friends. Parenting bliss. The moments don't come frequently, but when they do, I must soak them in.
Thank you, God, for my precious boys and the lessons they teach me.
