Originally Posted By DVC_dad I ran into a stranger as he passed by, "Oh excuse me please" was my reply. He said, "Please excuse me too; I wasn't watching for you." We were very polite, this stranger and I. We went on our way and we said goodbye. But at home a different story is told, How we treat our loved ones, young and old. Later that day, cooking the evening meal, My son stood beside me very still. When I turned, I nearly knocked him down. "Move out of the way," I said with a frown. He walked away, his little heart broken. I didn't realize how harshly I'd spoken. While I lay awake in bed, God's still small voice came to me and said, "While dealing with a stranger, common courtesy you use, but the family you love, you seem to abuse. Go and look on the kitchen floor, You'll find some flowers there by the door. Those are the flowers he brought for you. He picked them himself: pink, yellow and blue. He stood very quietly not to spoil the surprise, you never saw the tears that filled his little eyes." By this time, I felt very small, And now my tears began to fall. I quietly went and knelt by his bed; "Wake up, little one, wake up," I said. "Are these the flowers you picked for me?" He smiled, "I found 'em, out by the tree. I picked 'em because they're pretty like you. I knew you'd like 'em, especially the blue." I said, "Son, I'm very sorry for the way I acted today; I shouldn't have yelled at you that way." He said, "Oh, Mom, that's okay. I love you anyway." I said, "Son, I love you too, and I do like the flowers, especially the blue."
Originally Posted By LPFan22 This one always gives me goose bumps and I don't have children. I think it goes for all family members. I know I've been guilty of speaking in a harsh tone to someone I love... a spouse, a sibling, etc. Just takes a moment to take that extra deep breath and compose ourselves after a hard day.
Originally Posted By Pixie Glitter Great reminder, DVC_Dad. It's sad but true that we so often are more courteous to strangers than our loved ones.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Now you had to go and make a grown man cry!!! Children bring such joy, I know my life is so much more enriched with them!
Originally Posted By 4Disnee That was wonderful and really makes you think about how true it is. I am going to go and give my boy a big hug just because.
Originally Posted By sun-n-fun This always makes me realize that at times I am guilty of the same things. Children are the most precious parts af your life and they love you unconditionally. They deserve that back ALWAYS!! Thanks DVC_Dad for reminding of what I already knew was true!!
Originally Posted By Jim in Merced CA <--- Just went out and scraped the 'Have you Chewed Out Your Kid?' bumper sticker from the back of the car. Okay? Happy?
Originally Posted By melekalikimaka I'm trying to remember the last time my teenaged son loved me unconditionally...
Originally Posted By RoadTrip <<I'm trying to remember the last time my teenaged son loved me unconditionally...>> Probably when he was about 9 or 10. Boys go to hell quick. Middle School years are the worst. With girls early high school years are the worst. Trust me... eventually they do love and appreciate you. Girls when they are about 21. Boys when they are about 25. Good Luck.
Originally Posted By lasvegasgirl I am going to hug my kiddos again right now......... and get me a Kleenex for the tears in my eyes.... WOW --- THAT WAS GOOD..... Thank you.........
Originally Posted By MomofPrincess >>>Probably when he was about 9 or 10. Boys go to hell quick. Middle School years are the worst. With girls early high school years are the worst.<<< See, and with me, my middle school child (son) is my super easy, affectionate one. It's my 7-yr-old daughter that turns my hair grey! She is loving and generally well-behaved, but we really have to keep on top of her constantly. She is exhausting at times.
Originally Posted By dsnyredhead >Probably when he was about 9 or 10. Boys go to hell quick. Middle School years are the worst. < You mean the age 3 time isn't the worst of it?! Geesh, I have six more years until ds hits age 9. DS is trouble now.
Originally Posted By MomofPrincess ROFLMAO! You know what, dsnyredhead? My son was a HOLY TERROR at 3 (and also at 1, 2 & 4)! Now? His teachers at middle school all tell me how "quiet" he is (QUIET?! How did THAT ever happen?), and he is my straight-A, exceptionally calm and super mature son. He is a joy to be around. This was the kid I had tested for ADHD at 3! (He didn't have it, but LORD did he wear me out!!!) So there's hope yet. I wish I'd known that back when he was 3! LOL
