“You’ll need a car.” I said. “They cost a lot of money.”
“That’s OK.” He replied. “I have thirty dollars saved already.” I laughed as I pictured the kind of car that money will bring.
“Eric, my boy, you are a great kid.”
It’s true. He really is a great kid. One of the best things about Eric is that he has an enormous heart. He’s always concerned about other people. Like this morning when I was working at the nursery at church. Eric came with me to help.
“Remember.” I said. “You’re here to help with the little kids. Not to play your own games.”
At first, Eric kept close to Beth (3). She wanted to play dolls. Eric rolled his eyes. “Wouldn’t you rather play with the cars?” He coaxed. But Beth stood firm. “Dolls!” She insisted.
A few minutes later, I caught sight of Eric smiling as he swaddled a doll in blankets. Our eyes met and he shrugged his shoulders before handing the baby to Beth who laid it in a toy crib. Then Beth pushed a book into Eric's hands and they both sat next to their baby reading a story.
Eventually Beth grew tired of playing at mommy and daddy and wandered away. To his relief, Eric found a boy who was interested in playing roll the ball. He’s going to make a good dad someday, I thought.
It’s not just the way he is with little kids. It’s also how confident he is in himself.
“Mom,” He said as we were eating lunch. “At gym class we can play football, basketball or hula hoop.”
“Which do you do?” I asked.
“Hula hoop,” He said. “I’m the best of all the boys.” Then he paused. “Actually, I’m the only boy who does hula hoop. The rest do football and basketball.”
“Why don’t you play football or basketball?” I inquired.
“Because I like hula hoop better.” He replied. He’s totally confident in his decision. I wish I had that kind of confidence when I was eight. And I hope he doesn’t lose it when he’s fourteen.
Before Eric went to bed tonight, we sat together on my bed reading Star Wars. “It’s time for you to go to your room.” I said. Eric didn’t budge.
“Come on buddy, get moving.” I commanded.
“You need to give me a piggy pack ride.” He smiled.
“Aren’t you getting a little old for piggy back rides.” I replied.
Eric laughed. “No way. Besides, you promised you would give me rides until I turned fourteen.”
I burst out laughing. I had promised Eric that. But I made the promise when he was four and I never thought he would remember it. But darned if he hasn’t remembered it.
I burst out laughing. I had promised Eric that. But I made the promise when he was four and I never thought he would remember it. But darned if he hasn’t remembered it.
"Hop on." I said. Eric wrapped his arms around my neck and I hauled him to his room where I tossed him into his bed. As I stepped to the door to turn out the light Eric called to me.
"Mom?"
"Yes."
"I love you."
"I love you too. Now got to bed."
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