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It was a long and difficult day, the kind of day when you can’t wait until you have some peace and quiet at the end of it all…you know, like when you put the kids to bed.
Well, it was definitely one of those days for this Theta Mom. I was feeling extra cranky, the hubs wasn’t home to help, and isn’t that always the case? When I could really use a hand around here, those are the times when I find myself alone! I was dragging my tired body up the stairs, helping my 4 year old get ready for bedtime.
Together, we usually read one book before we turn out the lights. So on this particular night, he picked out one of my favorites, Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown. After reading the book aloud, I closed it shut and as I was about to kiss his forehead, he stopped me.
“Wait Mommy, can we play a game?”
Every ounce of patience I had was gone after the really FUN day I had, so my only reply to him was, “A game? Are you kidding me? No! It’s time for bed!”
He continued, “No mommy, like all you have to do is lay next to me for a few minutes so we can say goodnight to everything, just like in the Goodnight Moon book. Please?”
After a deep breath, I reluctantly decided this would be alright. I mean, it was only a few more minutes anyway, right? So my son shut off the lights and we began the goodnight game.
My Son: Goodnight room…
Theta Mom: Goodnight lamp…
My Son: Goodnight sky…
Theta Mom: Goodnight pillow…
My Son: Goodnight rocket…
Theta Mom: Goodnight mirror…
My Son: Goodnight toothbrush…
Theta Mom: Goodnight closet…
My Son: Goodnight….ummmm….toenails…
Theta Mom: Toenails?
[Pure laughter]
Theta Mom: You are so silly!
Then, there was a bit of silence. He grabbed my hand and whispered, “Goodnight Mommy. I love you.” I kissed his forehead and replied, “I love you, too sweetie.”
And with that, I kept a hold of my son’s hand and stayed with him for far longer than those measly five minutes.
Earlier that day, I was in such a rush to get him to bed so I would have some time to myself, and then I experienced a moment like this and realized the beautiful gift I have in front of me…every-single-day.
A rough day sure turned into a really goodnight.
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Okay, that is just an AWESOME, sweet story. I'm so glad you shared it. It's one of those "truly authentic" moments in the life of a mom. It's the stuff that makes it all SO worth it.
Today, at my permit-holding son and I were driving through the neighborhood, we had to stop for the school bus. A toddler boy was waiting in quivering excitement for his big sister to exit the bus. Once she did, he threw his arms around her in the grandest hug. Tears filled my eyes as I recalled the exact same scenario occurring over a decade earlier between my 17-year-old daughter and my boy.
You're a wise Theta Mom to treaure those moments up.
That really is special! I love that so much, mine is only 2 so betime = WAR!! I can't wait until he is old enough for moments like that! Thanks for stopping by my blog today, I am following you now by the way!
He sounds very sweet! Stopping by from SITS
What an incredibly sweet moment! Moments like that make being a mom the best job in the world!
Awwww…. Goodnight mittens, Goodnight Kittens…..
LOVE THIS BOOK!! My daughter knows it by heart. I have also shared a moment with her, saying goodnight to everything. "Goodnight Butt"… we giggled too.
What a wonderful writer you are…
I enjoyed that post very much
Goodnight, Heather…
Michele
Sweet story. If the stars have aligned, putting my daughter to bed is some of my favorite time with her. And not just because it means she’ll be asleep soon.
.-= Carly´s last blog .. =-.
Twitter: jaysmomishome
December 28, 2009 at 12:32 pm
I absolutely love this. As a mom of a son with Autism, and lots of behavior issues, many, many nights I can not wait for “me” time and some peace. Then I am sad wondering if I did enough to help him, love him, had enough patience. Apparently I am not alone. Maybe tonight I will spend a few extra minutes on the goodnight rituals.
.-= Jean Myles´s last blog ..Juggling working from home and kids! Ahh!!! =-.
Twitter: salt_says
December 29, 2009 at 8:25 am
What a wonderful, beautiful story that totally just bought a tear to my eye. I don’t know the feeling yet of what it is like to be a mom, but hearing things like this just makes me so much more excited for the day that it actually happens.
.-= Salt´s last blog ..60 days… =-.
Ok, it may be the pregnancy hormones, but I cried. I have 4 now and one coming Monday (the 11th) and they grow up so fast. My baby boy just turned 2 and he’s about to be a big brother. There are days when I wish bedtime was right after the big ones get home from school. What I got from this post and the way I reacted is that I too need to take the time to cherish what I have now at this moment. I need to find ways to slow down the rush of the world and live in MY world a little bit longer each day (and at a slower pace). Thanks for this post.
Twitter: kellyjorichards
February 22, 2010 at 3:26 am
You’re making me cry here! Moments like these make everything else worth it.
I loved your story. It is wonderful to put your kids to bed and hear their thoughts for the day. I love that book.http://www.AboutOne.com
I just happened upon this post from “The pursuit of Mommyness.” Totally made me cry!
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