He’s My Home
My ‘older’ middle son has been having some big feelings lately.
He is 9 years old and sandwiched in between two very big personalities and a baby sister.
I think sometimes it can be lonely to be the ‘easy’ one.
His dad and I are working for hard to make sure he knows how magnificent and treasured he is. And doing our best to navigate some uncharted waters.
We want to speak to his heart.
Last night a movie on the couch with popcorn and tickles. This morning a doughnut date before school, just the two of us.
And lots of conversation. Which is the best part in my opinion. I love hearing his thoughts and answering his questions.
This morning we talked about hockey and school and how chocolate long johns are the best.
He sang me a song in the car.
He asked why Grandpa is sick and what to do when someone says something mean to him on the bus.
He asked about baby sister and if he can someday have a bedroom in the basement.
And then…out of the blue…
‘Mama, Cooper feels safe to me. I sleep with him every night because he is warm and snuggly and he makes me feel good. He’s like my…home. Does that make sense?’
‘Yes Sawyer, it does. Cooper is home to me too.’
‘During the day I protect him. I’m like the big brother…sorta. Not because I’m 9 and he’s 11, but because I help him. But at night, he makes me feel safe. I know no matter what happens, he will be waiting for me to go to bed. I love it.’
He was wearing a blue shirt that almost looked too small. A size 10. With a little ketchup and chocolate on the sleeve. His hair was messy. His grin a little crooked.
And for a second, I saw him as a toddler again. And then a man.
He’s an old soul that one.
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