Today, I’m thankful.
Raising two boys by myself for 22 years alone was no easy task. There were so many things I was unable to do for them, so many things I would have liked to have been able to give them. As my friend reminded me yesterday, as one prepares to get married, and the other to leave for school in another state, “You’ve almost crossed the finish line!” And we laughed. And having done it alone, I feel ready to fall back into a recline position and exhale nice and long. Two great kids. Both love Jesus. Whew!
But just for fun, today, I went back in time – Back in time to the grade school years. I made a quick trip through Mcdonald’s drive-though and picked up a bacon burger, french fries, and an orange pop, with a chocolate chip cookie for dessert. I drove to the grade school where my sons attended, and surprised a sweet little girl named Jordan with a “mystery lunch.” (Planned – Mom and school already knew I was coming).
I was blessed to work many years from my home. That meant that when the kids were sick – I was available. It also meant that I didn’t miss any work. I was everyone in the neighborhood’s emergency contact. I never missed a school event. I volunteered often. My boys never spent a day in day care, and always knew I was available for them. They may not have worn designer clothes, had all of the latest toys, or been able to travel to Disney World every year, but they had “Mystery Lunches” every Wednesday. They always felt special (especially the day they were surprised to have a cousin come all the way from Nova Scotia to deliver their mystery lunch!) And they ALWAYS knew I was there for them. Today, they know that will not ever change.
I loved the look on Jordan’s face when I came to her class. I hope she felt special. I hope she felt loved. That’s what really matters.
I walked out of the school where everything that once seemed big, now seems so small – Chairs, lockers, etc. I’m thankful for the sweet little smile on Jordan’s face, and for all of my friends who have young children who remind me of the years when mine were just wee little ones. Those were such sweet times.
It’s the little things. It truly is.
Have a small child? Write them a love note and stick it in their lunch box. It doesn’t cost a thing, and it will brighten up their whole day!
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