On the way home from Mass yesterday, we got stopped by a train. We witnessed the entire eight-minute passing because we arrived at the intersection just when the train did.
As we sat there, watching car after car, one of the boys remembered a story Daddy had told them about the time he climbed onto a moving train to get to the other side. Paul is always quick to add a) how slow the train was moving that day and b) how very, very foolish it was of him to attempt such a feat. Yes, yes, the boys will say as they eye the train with wonder, a bad idea, we should never do it, we hear you.
But of course, I can’t be sure that they really, truly hear what we are saying. Most times, I am pretty sure they’re just telling me they understand the risks so I will quit driving the point home by getting a little louder each time I repeat my words (slow. foolish. Slow. Foolish. SLOW MOVING TRAIN! VERY FOOLISH INDEED!)
Yesterday, as we watched that train glide by, Elliott said something about how awesome it would be if we put a penny on the tracks. We should try doing that, he said and then, before I could even counter his suggestion with relentless safety warnings, he recanted that statement and said something I will never forget.
“Never mind,” he said, “that’s a bad idea. My arm is worth more than a penny.”
My heart soared. My eyes teared up. My eleven-year-old son uttered something so sane and logical that I have felt like the Queen of the World ever since.
Amazing! I did not realize that 11-year-old males were capable of sane and logical decisions! You have given me hope! Congratulations
Oh, those fleeting moments, so few and far between. It's just God pacifying us MOBs (Mothers of Boys) with the thought that maybe some of what we say gets absorbed. Either that, or God throwing us a bone every once in awhile….!
when my now 21 yr old son started dating his gilrfriend, about three yrs ago, I would remind him to act like a gentleman. when he picked her up for their first date he was certain to open the car door for her and be on his best behavior. when asked by his friends why he opens the car door, and all doors he told them his mom would be very disappointed if he did not treat her with the respect she deserves and she would be most unhappy if he chose not to use his best manners. he took alot of ribbbing for his behavior, but stuck to his morals and honor. Now his friends are opening car doors for their girlfriends. Occasionally they do learn something.its times such as those that makes you proud to be the mother of boys.
Isn't it great when it becomes clear that some of what you tell your kids actually sinks in? I know I'm always thrilled when one of my girls says something that makes me certain that my messages are getting through and being heeded.
My husband's grandfather lost a leg when he was about 10 years old by doing something stupid when a train was coming. We try to tell our 5 sons that they have to think and be safe. But they all just talk about how COOL it is that he had a wooden leg for the rest of his life! You have reason to be proud!
This could be a VISA commercial that ends with "peace of mind: priceless!"