Today Cal Henry's preschool had a Mother's Day luncheon. It was perhaps the sweetest forty-five minutes I have spent in months. Cal's class made these wonderfully darling pillows with a picture of the moms and kids on it. Cal was so proud to give it to me! We had a wonderful lunch (with lots of desserts!) while we socialized with his classmates and their moms. It was just precious to me.
This sweet pillow is so dear. I never thought I would be a sappy mom - I always kind of had this standoffish disdain for the women who got all teary eyed over their children and every little moment or milestone. And then one day while picking up Jude's cap and gown for pre-K graduation, I felt the tears falling down my cheeks and I realized that you don't always get to decide what kind of mom you are going to be. Sometimes love makes that choice for you. Looking into Cal Henry's eyes when he presented me with his gift about did me in. That pillow is more valuable to me than gold.
I got to thinking on the way home (while Cal napped) about the greatest gift Cal has given me. It isn't this pillow or jewelry or even a picture he drew himself. Calvin has given me the gift of new eyes. Ever since I was little I have been a rule follower and lived with a slightly fearful caution, but once Cal Henry came into my world that attitude no longer cut it. He is taking on life full speed ahead, and I find myself running just a step behind with butterflies in my stomach and a whole lot of anticipation about what may happen next. Life with Cal Henry is a roller coaster ride - you just hang on and sometimes you have to flail your arms and let out a scream as needed. Life for Cal is meant to be attacked, not merely survived. Seeing the world through Cal's eyes has changed forever who I am. What a gift that has been to me.
So here are some pictures from our sweet Mother's Day luncheon. I am off to get some tissues...
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