When you are older and moodier and when things no longer excite you like they once did, I will remember your pants on crooked as your little legs moved quickly across the living room. I'll remember your eyes wide with excitement at the sight of bubbles appearing from seemingly nothing. I'll remember the sparkle in your eye.
When you no longer want kisses from mom, I will remember the “muah” sound and the feeling of your nose pressed against mine when you'd want a smooch from your mama.
When your voice changes into a deeper, manlier tone, I will remember how your sweet little voice would say “mommy” more than any other word. I'll remember how it sounded hearing you call for me when you'd hear me come home from work.
When you don’t come to me for everything, and when you want to be with your friends, I will remember how you would always grab my hand and pull me to the ground so we could play with your toys. And then grab my hand and bring me to the next activity. I'll remember how that little hand felt gripping my fingers.In the days when laughter is more difficult to pull out of you, I will remember the sound of your giggle. The giggle that could soften hearts, brighten a room, and warm my soul in an instant. The giggle that reminded me why I am so lucky to have you. The giggle that was, at least for a while, the soundtrack to our life together.
When cuddling on my lap is laughable because of your size, I will remember how you would bring book after book back from the shelf before snuggling into my lap so we could read your new favorite over again. I’ll remember how my lap was your favorite place to hang out.
When you roll your eyes at me and don’t laugh at my jokes, I will remember how you scrunched up your little face with a big, beautiful grin when you were being silly.
I know there will be a day when you will change, and these things will be gone. But right now, you need me. You run to me. I am your mother, and we have a special bond.
And I’d be lying if I said letting that go will be easy.
So for now, I will try to enjoy those fleeting moments and burn them into my memory so they don't slip away... Nothing lasts forever, but I will always be your mother and you will always be my son.
So for now, I will try to enjoy those fleeting moments and burn them into my memory so they don't slip away... Nothing lasts forever, but I will always be your mother and you will always be my son.
(Inspired by, and modified from "Dear Son, When You No Longer Want Kisses from Mama" by Kelli Bachara)
