Last Wednesday, I was crossing the street to head back to my car from the Bagel shop, arms laden with diaper bag, bagel bag and 19 mo. son Jonathan, when all of a sudden Jonathan, who had been silent up until then says, "Schickleschickleschickle." For those of you who know Jonathan well, you know the above word can only be translated as one thing: "shoe." So, I replied, "Shoe? Shoe, what? Why are you saying shoe?" As I readjust my cumbersome load in my arms, I happen to notice that Jonathan was actually missing his shoe - his precious yellow-and-kelly green Croc! I turn around quickly, as on a dime, and begin to retrace our steps. There, lying tucked between the curb and the road was the mate!
Boy, was I thankful that we hadn't left his shoe behind! But even stronger an emotion was that of pride. I was proud of my son for using a word he knew to communicate a message to me. That alone would have been enough, but I was impressed that he had initiated it; he wasn't just responding to my question. Additionally, it was out of the context of the familiar - we were away from home. He was using something he had learned at home and applying it to real life outside the home. I still beam with delight every time I think back to the moment - a moment which represents so much more to me than simply recovering a lost shoe. How satisfying a life I lead as a mother to train a son and watch him grow!
That's my boy!! Good job, mama!
Posted by: Derek Lee | June 03, 2007 at 08:26 AM