Tender

My son, thus far in his 9 year old life, has been more of a challenge than my daughter. He likes to argue with us. About a lot of things. About small details...like "You told me I had 10 minutes and it's only been 9." He even argues larger concepts such as why the moon is big when it is low on the horizon and why it looks smaller when it is high in the night sky. Suffice it to say he was not satisfied with my explanation!

But for all his arguments and some whining, he has always been thoughtful and tender to other people. In pre-school, when a girl younger than him fell down, he ran over to her, helped her up and then told her "Don't worry, I'll get the teacher." If he got a special treat from me or from a teacher at school, he would always make sure to save some for his sister. He always shares and he is not greedy.

He is such a rare individual and I love that about him.

Last week my husband's grandfather died. I picked up the kids from school and told them the news. I said that Daddy would need some extra loving that night because he was going to be sad. And that we were going to visit Grandma too, and that she was going to be sad. Because it is sad when someone you love dies. So we got home and they both proceeded to snack and do their homework. I was on the computer when about 30 minutes later my son came to me and said "I'm done with my homework, can I play my Gameboy?" I said "Sure.".

Five minutes later he came back and said "I said a prayer for Grampa Tommy before I turned on my Gameboy."

That was it. That was all he wanted to say. I, of course, got very teary and had to give him multiple hugs and kisses.

How amazing it is that such a young little person can have such a big heart with such tenderness and understanding.

I'm so lucky to be his mother!