A few nights ago was a very special night in our house and I wanted to share.
Sometimes over the past few months, I think about how my son was 4 when this pandemic all started and now he’s 6, a first grader. Time is flying and there’s a lot we haven’t done yet, a lot that was put on hold. Things I thought we would have done by now, but haven’t. A childhood that is flying by.
He is also the oldest and we have spent so much of our time doing things as a family — doing things that his little brothers can do too, when he probably could have done more. But tonight was different. Tonight was just for him.
After his brothers fell asleep, I went into his room and surprised him with a special movie night with mom and dad. That night he got to stay up late and watch a movie he has asked about for months. The happiness beaming from his face, brightened any sadness I’ve had of the things we have missed out on. His joy was infectious.
As he followed me down the stairs, he asked me what the smell was coming from our kitchen. I smiled and whispered “popcorn,” wondering if he will remember this night every time he smells freshly popped kernels throughout his life. My pup, knowing the scent too, came running in to join us.
As my son came down the stairs, he let out a giggle and cupped his mouth, not wanting to wake his brothers. He hugged my husband waiting for him and then ran into the family room, asking me, “mom, how do I stop laughing?” He was giddy with joy. He didn’t stop smiling the entire movie — a movie I had said no to at least twenty times before. A movie that tonight got a yes.
There’s gifts that will be out of stock this year or arrive late, but this is the kind of gift that we can really give to our kids. A gift that’s beneficial for parents too. A movie and popcorn, next to his parents, made special because of the timing and focus on his interests.
He went to bed early the next night, but that night was perfect. It was a night I will always remember.
While I hope you enjoy reading my posts, kindly be advised that the words in this article are not medical advice and I cannot guarantee that they will work for you or your family. They are my reflections on parenting my three boys, based on my own personal background and experiences. Always reach out to your own health professionals for any questions or concerns. Please read my full disclosure at the bottom of this site for more information. Very sincerely, Mamma P.
