Probably everyone in the world has seen the video about the soldier who surprised his son at school when he came home from Iraq. Apparently I live in a cave, and this morning was the first time I actually saw it, or even learned that it existed.
I was sitting there, watching this video, with tears streaming down my face, hoping my kids wouldn't notice. The thought of explaining to my kids how women cry when they're happy, was not really appealing to me. So I look over at my oldest, hoping he hasn't noticed me, or isn't starring at me wondering what my problem is, and there he is, eyes welled up with tears, saying "I can't imagine if Daddy was gone for that long, I bet it would seem like forever". I didn't say a word, or even acknowledge his tears. I didn't want to embarrass him.
If you're a mom, then you can most assuredly know that was officially the end of any successful efforts to hide my tears. There was no stopping the water works now. But you know what? That conversation about "happy tears" that I was trying to avoid, would no longer be an issue. You see, with out ever having to say a word, my little boy (not so little anymore I guess) understands. My heart is filled with joy, and a certain bitter-sweet feeling that comes with the realization that your kids are growing and maturing. Sometimes these things come out of no where, unexpectedly, and catch you off guard. This one hit me like a ton of bricks, "happy bricks", but bricks none the less. My boy is growing up.
It was a wonderful blessing this morning to see my son experience something that so many people don't, compassion. As a parent I try my best to teach my kids to be compassionate, to put themselves in others shoes. Now I know he actually gets it, wow.
Look out world, my kids are growing up, and there's bound to be lots more "happy tears"...better get yourself an umbrella :)
