My son, Foster, was in middle school (that all knowing age…where the kids know everything, and mothers suddenly become stupid in the eyes of their children).
Such was the case on this particular morning. As a stay-at-home mom, I drove my children to school each morning, waving at them and wishing them a “good day” as they departed into the world of teenage melodrama. This day, however, instead of pulling up to the curb and watching Foster hop out of the car and disappear into the world of which I was not invited, I parked the car to help him carry in his science fair project. As I pulled the tailgate open to assist in removing his monstrosity of a project, he looked at me and said, “Mom, when we get inside, please walk behind me.”
“Walk behind him” I thought to myself….oh I think not! I brought this boy into the world, and it was my belief he was getting a little too “proud” for his britches. I simply smiled a sweet motherly smile and said nothing. Once inside, I allowed him to get about two classrooms ahead before I called out, “Foster, sweetie, where is it we are going with this? By the way, you look really cute today!”
About a month later, he had another project due for a reading class. As we got out of the car to go inside, he looked at me….I looked at him….and we proceeded to walk in together.
Sometimes, a lesson learned is orchestrated not by shouts or threats but found in diminutive smiles or gestures. Sometimes, not saying something says more than any words ever could. Never again was I asked to “walk behind” my son. Never again did he act as though I was less than his mom. Never again did this lesson have to be taught. Oh, my job wasn’t over, this was but one lesson with one child in one moment of a lifetime of moments and a lifetime of lessons….but then again, that’s what motherhood is all about.
I absolutely love this story!
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