Saturday, January 19, 2008

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.

29 comments:

SteamyKitchen said...

awww...what a caring soul he is. love the story.

xo, jaden

Jenn said...

What a sweetie! Thanks for sharing!!

--TooMuchVino

P.S. It was just pointed out to me that I was using the wrong alias!! So I guess I'm the one who needs to be cut off!!

Anonymous said...

While you note that your son has had this nature about him for quite some time it is also these moments that parents look at and hopefully think, "yea, we must be doing something right".

Your son sounds like a great kid.

- Chas (via the Buzz)

Tara R. said...

Very tender moment. You have every right to brag on your little man.

Etcetera

A Man Among Mommies said...

Makes you feel good as a parent when kids do nice things...

I Blog Hopped By to say Hi

Unknown said...

Kids will definitely amaze you. Their hearts are so pure and compassionate, we can learn a lot from them. Of course, good parenting has a big role in that, so give yourself a big pat on the back!
C-ya around!!

Darrin aka "Make Shift Sinatra" from The weekend BlogHopper crew

familymclean said...

Don't feel bad for bragging....I am afraid I am one of those moms who does post all the littlest stuff that probably drives you all nuts.
What a sweet boy, just shows what kind of parents you are, fantastic!

OHmommy said...

Oh... brag on... what a sweet boy. You must be so proud!

Rachel said...

What a sweetheart, how lucky you are.

Cheers to a fellow 'hopper'! Thanks for dropping in. We do have some fellow buddies. Tis a small bloggy world ;-) Or we just have really good taste... yeah, that's it :-) LOL.

Blog said...

Awwww, he's SUCH a sweety. Melts your heart, it does! :)

And, brag all you like! We love to hear it! :)

Family Adventure said...

Karen, you have all the reason in the world to be proud. Liam is a special, special little (not so little, really) boy. We all miss him very much.
Hope the service was everything Ian's uncles family wanted and needed it to be.
Get better! Heidi

Mr Lady said...

I wanted to say something light and fluffy about vegetables, but HOW SAD, dude. SO sorry for you. What a great man you have!

Unknown said...

Awww! Love it. Thanks for coming by my blog and commenting tonight! You're the best!

PeaceOut.
Huckdoll aka NinjaLoveUp

Anonymous said...

Yes, those are the moments when, as a parent, you think "Where do you learn that?" and then "Thank God you're a caring soul. AND you're my child."

So nice to hear.

Anonymous said...

Awww...that is such a touching story. Liam is a very caring, empathetic boy. I've seen it with my own eyes when he instinctively "understood" what my ds was going through when he (my ds) wouldn't come inside. He didn't push my ds to come in, rather he empathized, got his coat and knew what to do (and told you what to do) to make his friend feel better.

Anonymous said...

Just realized that my previous comment sounded vague for other readers. My ds didn't want to go into Liam's house for their first playdate. He really wanted to show Liam his things at our place. Liam handled it very graciously (thanks for coming over to our place!).

Anonymous said...

Firstly, Don't apologize for praising your kids! I also prefer to keep my blog in such a way that I donn't get pigeon holed as a Mommy Blogger (not that there's anything wrong with that, it's just not for me) but when your kids do something really impressive and grown up like Liam, a little bragging is well earned. :)

I'm doing my weekend blog hopping abit late, but here I am. :)

Kamis Khlopchyk said...

What a great story about your precious boy! He's going to be an amazing man someday.

Oh and bragging on your blog about your kids.....it's expected!

Rima said...

That really is cool - and a testament to the way he is being raised, too, I think :)

Jeff and Charli Lee said...

You're right, he is a great kid. That kind of empathy will take him far in life. (here from blog-hoppers!)

Momisodes said...

Wow....he is an absolute sweetheart. That story just melts my heart. I'm sure you have a wonderful son because he has wonderful, caring parents to guide him too :)

Kellan said...

You are very lucky to have such a sweet and considerate boy!! You have done a good job instilling this in your son and you should be very proud - I love to hear these stories of how wonderful our children our - and yours are truly worth hearing about. Take care and I'll see you soon. Kellan

Heidi said...

You have definately done something right. Sounds like your son has learned to be very caring and empathetic. Good job mama!

NH Yocal said...

That is so sweet. It is good that he has that in him. I really think that is something that can't be taught. Some kids are just very caring and what a wonderful trait to have!

Beth Cotell said...

What a sweet story. And it's not bragging at all...it's your blog after all...you get to write anything you want to write!

Don Mills Diva said...

You have every right to be proud of him - what a caring nature he has!

Lizzy in the Burbs said...

Hi, Karen MEG!

Thanks so much for stopping by my blog and leaving such a sweet message, I truly appreciate it!

That's so wonderful that your little boy is so caring and sympathetic, you must be doing something very right! The two cousins will continue to grow closer over the years and be life long friends, I'm sure!

Was just reading some of your earlier posts, and laughing! You and your husband are too funny! (why, yes,..I do feel violated when someone farts in my presence!) :) And the boogers? I would totally have to tell the person to get a tissue, I mean REALLY!

It's been nice "meeting" you, I'll be back again!

Lizzy

J said...

You are blessed. My daughter is also a caring soul, and it is one of the things I am most proud of about who she is. I think kindness is the greatest attribute a person can have, and empathy opens the door to kindness.

Anonymous said...

When your kids do something like this, that's when you think "something is right with this world." Ain't nothing wrong with being proud of your son (and beaming it out across the internet). That's what blogs are for (aren't they?).

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