Love You Forever.

It was a normal bed-time routine. I told both boys to grab a book and snuggle with me on the bed. My oldest child asked if I had any Valentine books that I could get out. He stated that since the Christmas books had been put away there were no kid books in living room.  I agreed that I would bring the Valentine books out even if it was a bit early.

The “February” book bag had four books in it. Amidst the titles were two of my favorite Children’s books: The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn and Love you Forever by Robert Munsch.  Love you Forever is a regular in our reading repertoire. We had multiple copies so I stuck the extra in the bag, since it depicts the cycle of life and love so flawlessly.

Let’s just say I did not hold back any ounce of feeling while reading this story. It was a perfect moment with both offspring nestled on either side of me. As I read and sang the song the boys exuded beautiful expressions of love for me. They even laughed about the wild two year old in the bathroom- we recounted stories of when they had in fact been that terrible, two year old. We gawked at the unruly teenager who left handprints on his mothers cabinets. Then it was time to sing the lullaby:

I’ll love you forever, I’ll like you for always, As long as I’m living my baby you’ll be

Kenimer stopped me with these words  “That is a really pretty song you sing to me, Now I want to sing this to you”…  In the sweetest tone he sang:

I love you forever- My Mommy

I like you always- My Mommy

Because you always take care of me- and Tucker too.

And Daddy takes care of us too. I love you both.

My mommy you’ll be.

Then he leaned over and gave me the most tender Kiss. I held back tears and then we lept into a conversation about kids growing up to take care of their parents.

Kisses. Hugs. Two little boys tucked in. Lights out.

Ten minutes later the eldest boy walks into the kitchen.

“You said I can only get up to go pee pee or poo poo or if I am hurt. Well, I am hurt.” It appeared his knee was bothering him. I prayed for his knee. Hugged him and as he was leaving he said

“Mommy, I don’t want to let you down”.

I calmly asked him what he meant and he started to tell me about the prodigal son story he had heard Sunday. He did not want to be like that son. He said “I know if I’m bad you will still love me, but I really hope I don’t let you down.” The conversation was deep, heavy, tender and loving all at once.

This was three nights ago and I cannot help but feel that was one of the sweetest nights of all my mothering history. I am Thankful , Thankful, Thankful for the awesome and humbling job and Title of “ Mother”.

Lastly- If you have never read “ love you forever” Go buy it even if you do not have kids. You will be glad you did.