Lesson from my amazing son!

It has been one of those mornings! I knew it would be bad when my oldest was out of bed before I was! I usually wake up at least an hour before the kiddos get up. I sent him back to bed and went on with my routine of shower, scriptures, and making breakfast. I don’t know what it was with me today but every shriek, scream, and whine were grating on my nerves like fingernails on a chalk board.

After Turner (my 6-year-old) and I had finished our breakfast, we went into his room so I could help him reach a t-shirt. All of the boy’s clothes are in the closet so something has to be out of reach, it just so happens to be his t-shirts. I was thinking how ahead of the game I was going to be with him already dressed. Then as he slipped on a pair of jeans, for the first time since spring, I realized that none of his pants were going to fit. Before I decided to accept the fact that he needed all new pants, I had him try on several pair. Frustrated at the financial ramifications, I found 3 pair that would still pass.

As we were in the middle of our flood fashion show, my four-year-old, Max, came into the room and wanted to also get dressed. As he was dressing he mentioned that the side of his leg hurt. I asked to see where it hurt, and discovered a huge-infected bug bite on his haunches. The red circle must have been at least as large as a quarter. I asked him to lay on my lap so I could inspect the wound and analyze if I needed to take him to the doctor or if this was something I could handle. As I started prodding around the wound, it erupted. The fount ‘o puss splattered in my hair and in my face. A putrid odor accompanied the white and red swirled splatter. By now Max was livid! He started kicking, screaming, hitting, and declaring that he didn’t love me anymore. As I sent Turner off for tissue and ointment I knew I was pushing it to try to continue to drain the infection but, I didn’t feel like I could leave this in my little boy. I gave it a go with all my might and out popped a more solid form of the stinky blood-filled goop. I dressed the wound, and apologized for having to hurt him. I tried to explain that it was a hurt that was going to make his owie better.

By this time I realized that the twins were still in their high-chairs, and I could tell by the sound that they were not happy about it. I went into the dining room, only to realize that they had decided to create a Jackson Pollock with their soggy cereal and orange juice. I felt frustrated and defeated. I grabbed a wash cloth, rag, broom and mop and got to work. After I had cleaned off the children, I went to work on the dining room. Cooper could tell I was sad so he of course wanted some reassurance that I still loved him, as two-year-olds do. He kept trying to traipse through his masterpiece while crying and reaching for me.

I looked at him and started crying myself. I explained to my room full of children that I was frustrated and needed to get this mess cleaned up. What I needed them to do was to stay out of my way. I realize that it would have been a better teaching opportunity if I would have made my two, two-year-old, artists help clean up the mess but I was frazzled. I went into the kitchen to rinse out my rag, and when I came back, the children were gone. I heard them all in the big boy’s room.

Turner, without being asked, had taken all four of them into his room, closed the door and was playing quietly with all of the kids. I lost is at this point and broke down with love, pride and gratitude for a 6-year-old whom wanted to help his mommy. I finished my task, and with a humble heart I went into his room and expressed my love and appreciation for him. Max asked me why I was crying. I explained that sometimes a mommy’s heart is so full of love—it has to come out of their eyes. The thing was—I realized how God must feel when we help his children.  My child, helped my other children, it in turn helped me (immensely!!)  It wasn't a big thing for my helpful little boy, but it was a huge thing for me. I hope today to find some way to help one of my fellow brothers and sisters, so I may serve my Father in Heaven.