Yesterday we took the kids to dinner with my parents and then we all went to see the new Grinch. Harvey was sitting next to me and doing his best to stay entertained with the movie. He loved it, but sitting in one spot for over an hour was starting to get to him. One can only stuff a child with so much candy and popcorn before it stops working.
Anyway, if you’re not familiar with the movie, there’s a part where Cindy-Lou asks Santa to do something special for her mom because she “works so hard for their family” and she “just wants her to be happy.” Harvey starts to say something to me, no hint of whisper in his voice. I, of course, shush him and tell him to sit back on his bottom. Instead, he grabs my arm, leans into my ear, and whispers, “That’s like you mommy. You work so hard a lot. Santa should make you happy too!” I just looked at him, not sure what to say. Sweeter words have not come from the mouth of that 4 year old boy, at least not recently. He smiles at me, then proceeds to attempt to do a somersault in his chair.
I’ve spent the better part of this week rushing my kids along, kicking them out of my office, and running out the door to sessions before they notice so as not to cause unnecessary drama. I did not deserve those words. I didn’t deserve that grace. And yet, without even realizing, he encouraged his momma’s heart and left me without words. It’s like he knew exactly what I needed to hear in that moment.
Today is for them. No school, no work. In fact I’m still in my PJs and we are watching another movie this morning. At some point today, I’ll probably try to clean the house. But right now, with a kid under each arm, I am happy. I guess Christmas came early.
