The spinning rack at the cleaners delighted him.
He helped me carry the few things we needed (and few extras of course) from the dollar store; fascinated by the number 7 candle we bought for his sister's upcoming birthday. 'Why did we get a seven?" he kept asking. 'How do you light it?'
He stood quietly by my side asking questions at the post office. He reached his hands up to the counter, barely being able to reach it when standing on his tip-toes, wanting to see what was happening. The post office worker placed a priority mail sticker on his hand and said what a surprise it would be if he showed up in Grandma's mailbox.
As we left the post office he made sure to hold my hand. As we slowly walked to the car he asked why the building was white and why there was a fence. Why were there so many leaves on the ground? In that moment I just wanted to freeze time.
Leaves changing on trees and Palm trees- gotta love SoCal |
I was filled with peace.
Yes, we had several more stops to make, but in that moment I didn't care that he was walking slowly or asking a million questions. His hand was safely in mine; I was his world, his protection at that moment and it was good.
I know it will all go way too quickly. I know soon he will be gone all day at school like his brother and sister. Learning things from other kids, learning from other adults. trying to figure things out.
For that moment when he was asking me why there were cactuses in that person's yard, I was more then happy to stop and notice, to stop and pay attention.
Peace.
So sweet! I miss the days when my children were this age.
ReplyDeleteYes, I really wish I could freeze time
DeleteI love moments like that!
ReplyDeleteYes moments like that make the hard ones worth it
DeleteOh, how I love this. My oldest turns 13 on Sunday. He's a check card carrying, Iphone using pre-adult and life is so much more complicated now. Wonderful, still......but so very different. Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteYes, very different stage but there really is great things in every stage. Happy Birthday to your son!
DeleteWhat a beautiful post, and a perfect way to capture that perfect moment you shared with Ryder :)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! Yes as I wrote it I wished I had taken pictures of some of those moments during the day, other than the lunch picture of the two of us
DeleteWhat a sweet post!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteThis is beautiful, Emmy! You're so right to treasure these times. I love it when life seems simple, even if it's just for a day.
ReplyDeleteYes! Then I can just remember these days for the days that are the polar opposite of these
DeleteSounds perfect. I love when I'm receptive to enjoying little moments. It sure makes life enjoyable.
ReplyDeleteYes! I think it is important to remember these little moments especially when you are in the middle of the not so good moments
DeleteOh how sweet!
ReplyDeleteThank you, it was just one of those great moments
DeleteYou are amazing.
ReplyDeleteThank you!! That totally made my day.
DeleteI love moments like that! I actually had one with my 10 year old just the other day. I think it is those moments that make all the crazy times worth it!
ReplyDeleteYes exactly, which is why I like writing down moments like this, to come back and read in those times when I just want to pull my hair out :)
DeleteThose moments are the best! This is such a sweet post ♥
ReplyDeleteThank you! Yes it really was just such an ordinary moment but suddenly I just was overcome with the simplicity and goodness of it.
DeleteWhen my daughter was younger some of the best moments were when we just were. I love reading this. It sounds like a great morning together.
ReplyDeleteThank you! It really was a great morning.
DeleteDearest Emily, I loved this post. I still have sweaty eyes. This is what life is all about. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteThanks! And you are right it is
DeleteLove it! I feel the same way. Those are tender moments that help us remember that the everyday things are wonderful blessings.
ReplyDeleteP.S. This is the first picture I've ever seen with fall foliage on palm trees! I didn't know their leaves even changed color!
They don't the palms are in the background all green, it is the other trees right in front that are something else that are colorful :) It almost looks like the palms are though
DeleteI love this! Wyatt and I run errands, and he's finally big enough to sit in the basket of the grocery cart. He spends the time cooing and flirting with other shoppers. I love that he brightens people's day with his smile. We take forever to get our shopping done because everyone stops to talk to him. But you're right, I just want to freeze time. Stories about Ryder make me look forward to each stage!
ReplyDeleteIt is so nice when they can actually sit in the cart as then you actually have room for stuff! We used to get stopped all the time with Alex too as she was a chubby red-head with the biggest smile
Delete