Prince of hearts

Note to reader: a bit of a braggity post today. I'm not one to boast about myself too much (well, at least not usually), but my kids...well, hopefully I'm not one of those Moms who bore you to sickness with the minutia of all of the juniors' accomplishments. But I did feel compelled to capture this moment, as we often forget these fleeting, precious nuggets.

Today was another sad day, as another, local memorial service was held for Uncle D. As we had already taken the kids to the one in Ottawa, and I wasn't feeling 100%, we decided that I would stay home with the kids while Ian attended this one alone.

Last night when Ian's cousin AJ phoned to ask a favour of him for today's service, L asked to speak to AJ's son K, after his Dad was done. L and K have this tremendous bond even though they're 2 years apart (K being older). When they were toddlers and preschoolers, we weren't sure they were clicking. But that's not surprising, as 2 years is a huge age gap when you're 2 and 4. For the last couple of years, it's been completely the opposite. We probably don't get them together often enough, but whenever they see each other they're as thick as thieves. K is also L's only male cousin, a saviour among a sea of older girls and female babies.

When L took the phone, the first thing he said was, "Hey K, I'm so sorry about your Grandfather..." as he turned the corner out of the kitchen and out of earshot.

I don't know what it was. Perhaps it was the way he said it, or even the fact that he said it at all. That he would know to offer these words to help comfort his cousin. Not just to offer these words, but really mean them. To see evidence yet again, that indeed, our son is a caring, sympathetic and empathetic little boy.

When he got off the phone, Ian asked him if he wanted to attend the memorial with him the next day. L boy said of course, he wanted to be with his Dad and to see cousin K. And although he didn't mention it, we know that he really wanted to be there to support his cousin, during a very sad time.

He continues to amaze me, this little guy of ours. He's had this awareness of others, of his surroundings, a keen sensitivity since he was such a little boy. I'd venture to say as young as 18 months of age. But lately, in his rush to grow up, in his growing social world courtesy of school and activities that no longer require us to be at his side at all times, we're not witness to this side of him as frequently.

Of course, he is quite sweet and tender to his sister (when they're not bickering), even though he's not paid to be. And I think at this rate, the love and tenderness will come to her totally free of charge.

Lucky girl. Lucky parents.