Tuesday, May 23, 2006

That Little Boy of Mine...


"A tiny turned-up nose, Two cheeks just like a rose
So sweet from head to toes....that little boy of mine.
Two eyes that shine so bright, Two arms to hold me tight,
Two lips to kiss goodnight....that little boy of mine.

No one will ever know, Just what his coming has meant,
Because we love him so, He must be Heaven-sent...

He climbs up on my knee, He's all the world to me,
To me he'll always be....that little boy of mine..."


He has to lean down to hug me now. A few months ago I could easily slide my arm around his shoulders, accustomed to his childhood voice of the last 13 years. Now the words he says are deeper and from the throes of adolescence. And I wonder where those years have gone.













I wasn't prepared for the absolute delight of having a little boy. My first child, a daughter, was cautious with herself in the world. Though loving and beautiful, she was particular to whom she gave her affections to and carried herself delicately amongst things unknown. Her little brother bore an amazing resemblance to her with his dark eyes and sweet face, but he quickly developed his own personality, endearing him to me and marking his own place in my heart.

I remember holding him close when he was very tiny and him taking my hand and laying it gently upon his cheek. He was so affectionate with a perpetual smile and energy that temporarily came to rest alongside him in bed each night. A sensitive child, he learned early to guard the feelings of others and appreciate what was true and beautiful in life.

He was my helper in the kitchen, my champion brownie-taster. My partner in creepy-crawler-making, he kept me young and enthusiastic with his genuine wonder and excitement over little things.

Always our clown, he soon found that a silly face could bring a reaction, but has - for the most part - used it to entertain only a receptive audience...at appropriate moments!

Like his father and sister, he loves cats and has grown up with at least one curled beside him. And though his volume is turned WAY up more often than not, he seems to know when noise is nuisance rather than necessity... and learned that quiet creatures prefer peace over racket.

Though in many ways he is a "typical boy", he possesses a certain tenderness and a gentle spirit that serves as a guide in how he treats others. His capacity for reading right from wrong is great and his kind and forgiving heart is so very precious.

His babyhood days are vivid: Batman costumes and decorating sugar cookies, "treasure" walks around the neighborhood and refreshing sprinkler runs in the backyard. Swinging on the board swing at Nan and Pop's house, moving to his "big boy bed", that first haircut.....and little black cowboy boots. I feel a little hand in mine and soft kisses upon my cheek at bedtime. I hear sweet songs on cassette tapes and contagious giggling with his big sister. It's hard to see him growing up.

But he is. I cannot stop that...and I wouldn't want to. Just as there were memorable moments from his baby days and childhood, I know that ahead lies many adventures and exciting experiences. I really wouldn't want him to stay little, for I'm enjoying getting to know who he's becoming. The young man who sits beside me today is one I'm very proud of, knowing he is making good decisions and choosing a path that is leading him in the right direction. He is on his way to the wonderful man that I know he will be. I will have to let go, let him fly...and it will be all right. And when he is grown and gone from the nest and the safety of my arms he will still and always be....

That little boy of mine.

10 comments:

Gleyes said...

Hi, Lori. Your thoughts are so sweet. I had girls, never a little boy. Always wanted a boy. You responded to a post I put up a bit ago about a young man who stole my heart. He was my youngest daughter's boyfriend for a brief time but I got to know him. What a sweetie. His Mom is my very special friend. I know his whole family very well. When he and my daughter broke up he shared his heartache with me. He's just a special kid and I love him like he were my own. His feelings for my daughter are still very strong and to avoid that pain he avoids both her and me. It kills me. Just made your bond with your boy touch my heart..........He looks adorable. My computer is still down. Using someone elses for a bit. Stay in touch!!

HeyJules said...

I think that was the most touching post...and I also think if he ever finds out you wrote all that about him he'll absolutely DIE of embarassment. : )

Lori said...

This reminds me of a story, gleyes...will have to share it with you sometime.

Jules...he probably would give me an "aw Mom!" But he is a unique boy and I think deep down he'd feel PDS - pretty darn special! :-)

Martie said...

Lori, this post brings back so many memories for me and "my little boys" who are all men now. I don't regret letting them "fly" either. It has to happen and I enjoy who they have become!

Once again, I think you are a totally "Awesome" Mom!!

Networkchic said...

Beautiful. You've helped me understand how a mother finds room in her heart to love two children...now I'm sure I'll be able to do this. :-)

Jacqueline said...

Great post, Lori! Lovely thoughts, sweet memories and blessed assurance of your son's future manhood!

Beverly said...

I just came to your blog after seeing your comment at SRP's. Your description of your son could be my little boy, who also grew to be tall...6'8". He is a gentle giant, and my little boy has found his loving wife, and he will soon be a father. I can hardly wait to see him in his new role.

Taradharma said...

Laurel, found your blog via Alan. What a glorious post about your boy! The depth and breadth of your connection with him is beautiful, and yep, it does go fast. My daughter (whose name is also Laurel) just graduated high school. So fast, so fast...

Brent Missildine said...

I came across your blog when doing a search for the song, "That Little Boy of Mine." My father used to sing that song to me when I was little. I cannot express the feelings of love and security I feel when I remember his sweet voice singing those words. That song will always be special. I changed the words to "That Little Girl of Mine" to sing it to my daughters, and I hope they will have memories just as wonderful as mine. It's great to know some others remember this sweet and special song. God bless you and your son.

Michelle G. said...

My grandma used to sing that song to me so long ago (changed lyrics to "girl"). I'm so sad--I can't remember most of the tune.