A Holistic Journey

A Boy’s Love on the Landing

When he walked in this evening, Daddy wanted to take his boy to the park.  As I changed Little Man on the landing, he wrapped himself around my neck and kissed me.  He smiled, “I will never let you go.” My eyes smarted. A tight swelling tight at the edges. I was thrown forward to the…

Holistic Wayfarer
1–2 minutes
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When he walked in this evening, Daddy wanted to take his boy to the park.  As I changed Little Man on the landing, he wrapped himself around my neck and kissed me.  He smiled, “I will never let you go.”

landing1

My eyes smarted. A tight swelling tight at the edges. I was thrown forward to the day time will have run out on us, when it will ask that I return borrowed breath.

“Someday you will have to,” I said quietly. A weak smile back, and we puckered for two more wet kisses.

I squeezed those little fingers down the rest of the steps.

91 responses to “A Boy’s Love on the Landing”

  1. Carly Jo Avatar
    Carly Jo

    Thaaank you for making me cry. Oh my goodness

    Reply
    1. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
      Holistic Wayfarer

      LOL LOL I was half-hitting myself, laughing quietly in the writing, wondering, “STUPID, why are you mAking yourself cry?!”

      Reply
      1. Carly Jo Avatar
        Carly Jo

        I hear ya!! Think we’ve all done that before lol

  2. Bee Avatar
    Bee

    The love of a child makes your heart melt

    Reply
  3. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
    Holistic Wayfarer

    Yep. Thanks, Bee.

    Reply
  4. theglamzilla Avatar
    theglamzilla

    Thank you for sharing this!

    Reply
  5. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
    Holistic Wayfarer

    Aww…thank yOu for the faithful support. Been planning to revisit you when I get a breather. Xx Diana

    Reply
  6. Professor VJ Duke Avatar
    Professor VJ Duke

    Oh, dear…

    Reply
  7. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
    Holistic Wayfarer

    *Hand squeeze* Thanks, Prof.

    Reply
  8. Toni Sprandel Avatar
    Toni Sprandel

    This is so beautiful! Thank you for sharing!

    Reply
  9. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
    Holistic Wayfarer

    So is your big heart. =) Thanks, TS.

    Reply
  10. amy Avatar
    amy

    I miss him already!!! I can see him smiling from here!! He is just too cute

    Reply
    1. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
      Holistic Wayfarer

      Thanks. =) He enjoyed you.

      Reply
  11. mjdresselbooks Avatar
    mjdresselbooks

    This touched my heart. Thanks for sharing this special moment.

    Reply
    1. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
      Holistic Wayfarer

      Oh, thanks for making your way to it. “This touched my heart.” It’s something I plan to write about in the writing process I’m on… Why we read, why we write. I find it one of the greatest rewards and compliments a greater can enjoy, to know his, her work landed in the reader’s heart – and hopefully spoke to her own story. I enjoyed your blog and hoped to be back – when I’ve come out from under two blogs, homeschooling, and dishes. Xxxx Diana

      Reply
  12. Lilka Raphael Avatar
    Lilka Raphael

    You bring me to tears. It goes faster than you can even imagine. I have teenagers now and the clock is ticking…

    Reply
    1. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
      Holistic Wayfarer

      BAH!!! BAH!!! You’ve reduced me to monosyllabic laments.
      Ok, he’s asleep now but I shall love him even more tmrw!

      Bear hug,
      Diana

      Reply
      1. Lilka Raphael Avatar
        Lilka Raphael

        🙂

  13. Paul Avatar
    Paul

    Thanks for sharing HW. Very touching.

    Reply
  14. Nida S. Avatar
    Nida S.

    I had a moment with my 20 month old daughter a couple of days ago when I was watching something on tv and she was asleep in my lap. The drama was pretty lame but the heroine so to speak was a good actor so I kept watching She was beyond miserable in her married life. At that point I just looked at my daughter and I felt so scared! Tears welled up as I made a solemn prayer to God to always, always protect her from harm. It was just one of those moments.

    Reply
    1. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
      Holistic Wayfarer

      Aw, thanks for sharing, Nida. I can see the moment the way you repainted it. But you know our protective wings will span only so far. Our littles are meant to outgrow the reach of our wings. For their own maturity.

      (WAAAhhh!)

      Reply
      1. Nida S. Avatar
        Nida S.

        Well said, well said. Though prayers are powerful. And they will always stay with our children don’t you think:)

      2. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
        Holistic Wayfarer

        Prayers are the lifeblood of parenting.

  15. Curt Mekemson Avatar
    Curt Mekemson

    On the other hand, D, they never leave totally. 🙂 Curt

    Reply
    1. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
      Holistic Wayfarer

      Ha ha. *Perk up* YAh?? LOL I just had a visual of a 35-yr-old boy not wanting to leave his mommy. Er…I actually hear myself sayin’: “I THOUGHT I’d have my time to blog and write my book by now, Sonny!~ Out you go!”

      Reply
      1. Curt Mekemson Avatar
        Curt Mekemson

        🙂 Suspect you wouldn’t wait until 35. LOL

      2. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
        Holistic Wayfarer

        LOL! LOL! I suppose you would suspect such a thing if you think me feisty – to use your own word.

        *wink*

      3. Curt Mekemson Avatar
        Curt Mekemson

        Wink right back.

  16. Tracesofthesoul Avatar
    Tracesofthesoul

    How I miss those days!! Such a treasure. Even my grandson is too old now.

    Reply
    1. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
      Holistic Wayfarer

      Wow…even your grandbaby’s grown. Our boy is shooting up like a beanstalk before our eyes. Everyone comments on how tall he is. I realized my mother was younger than I am now in some of the photos I have. Gee…

      Reply
      1. Tracesofthesoul Avatar
        Tracesofthesoul

        It goes so fast! I look at pictures with my grandson hugging me, cuddled up to watch tv. and he won’t do that now. I remember my daughter when she was about 11 saying she was always going to live in our house. “But what if you get married?”: she said, “He’ll have to come live here.” Her father and I divorced when she was 14 and even today at almost 33 she is not too pleased with her mom.

        But if it’s any consolation my children hugged and cuddled until their late teens. I would make a midnight snack for my son at 18 and he insisted I sit on his bed while he watched a movie. I lied in bed with my daughter when she was pregnant (single mom) almost every night watching Law & Order before she fell asleep. So treasure the moments, there are others to come, just a little different:)

      2. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
        Holistic Wayfarer

        Hey, O, that’s precious, the memories you shared. And good for you, that you grew kids who cuddled and wanted you around in their teens.

        Bear hug,
        me

      3. Tracesofthesoul Avatar
        Tracesofthesoul

        Hugs back at ya 🙂

  17. ftcolette Avatar
    ftcolette

    Oh, precious moments!

    Reply
    1. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
      Holistic Wayfarer

      Yep. Thanks.

      Reply
  18. The Invisible Sage Avatar
    The Invisible Sage

    And life is comprised of such poignant, simple, all-important moments. In a split second such moments can be missed, and be gone, if we are not tuned in to them – the stuff that matters – giving the rich attention to the event that it deserves. Every parent shall share your thoughts and feelings 🙂

    Reply
    1. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
      Holistic Wayfarer

      Said beautifully – thanks! That rich attention seems a challenge in the pace of postmodern living. I will be tuning in more today: really appreciate the sAGe reflections.

      HW

      Reply
      1. The Invisible Sage Avatar
        The Invisible Sage

        My pleasure, as always 🙂

  19. yeseventhistoowillpass Avatar
    yeseventhistoowillpass

    A mothers love is the truest form of love….

    Reply
    1. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
      Holistic Wayfarer

      I’d like to say that. Except I fail my boy everyday. Appreciate your reading.

      Reply
  20. Olivia FitzGerald Avatar
    Olivia FitzGerald

    Ooh that is so sweet. My little boy told me he loves me all the way to Duplo (Jupiter!). Their affection is so pure and simple.

    Reply
    1. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
      Holistic Wayfarer

      Duplo! Shoot LOL So cute it hurts.

      Reply
  21. carrythemessage Avatar
    carrythemessage

    Just lovely, Diana. I get those moments with my boys, and I am learning to cherish them, being present to them and putting them away in my memory bank. There will come a day when my boys won’t ask me to tickle them or “do kisses” (that’s where I roughhouse and kiss them a lot), so even when I am tired, I will do it. What they don’t know is that I do it more for me than I do for them 🙂

    Thank you – beautiful post to read this morning.

    Blessings,
    Paul

    Reply
    1. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
      Holistic Wayfarer

      “What they don’t know is that I do it more for me than I do for them.”
      Niiice. Actually, you guys are jump-starting my own morning, sending me off with the fuzzies and a clarity above the tiredness that would’ve trumped appreciation for what is asked of me as a mother today. Thanks for the precious glimpse through your family window and your heart, Paul.

      Reply
  22. AJ Avatar
    AJ

    Undying love, &
    Sleepless devotion
    Never let go.

    Reply
    1. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
      Holistic Wayfarer

      =)

      Reply
  23. silverliningsanddustbunnies Avatar
    silverliningsanddustbunnies

    Thank you again. Your life with your “special needs” child is so precious, and in God’s wisdom those who are labeled “imperfect” pierce the walls we build around our hearts and deepen our ability to love in a more powerful way than we believed possible, as you shared in this moment. Bless you and your family.

    Reply
    1. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
      Holistic Wayfarer

      I sure appreciate the blessing. But my son is not “special needs”. =) I’m not sure where you got that. I guess I should write more clearly! =) If anything, he made his drum debut when he turned 5 and memorized about 400 facts in all the subject areas when he was six. =)

      Reply
      1. silverliningsanddustbunnies Avatar
        silverliningsanddustbunnies

        As soon as I pressed SEND I realized I had read MY LIFE into your words… You bring that out in me! Your writing truly touches my heart… and in this case your reader read herself into your script!

        But once I saw that, couldn’t call the electrons back…
        I was blessed with one “special” and one “much brighter than average” child, and memories of special times from both color my perceptions.

      2. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
        Holistic Wayfarer

        *Big smile* Awesome that you read yourself into my script. I’ve written on that, how we read as well as listen autobiographically. But that’s really my mission on the Holistic Journey, to hold up a mirror – so that I’m not just talking about myself. Warms my heart to know you immediately thought of your precious children. Thanks for being here.

      3. silverliningsanddustbunnies Avatar
        silverliningsanddustbunnies

        The “borrowed breath” led me down that rabbit trail, by the way….

      4. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
        Holistic Wayfarer

        Huh. I’d love to know more – though there’s no obligation to tell.

      5. silverliningsanddustbunnies Avatar
        silverliningsanddustbunnies

        You are an amazing person, very gracious. To keep it short, my eldest has survived and grown into manhood- he is now 31 years old, healthy and VERY independent. But from birth to around 6 yrs it was a struggle to believe he would grow, let alone survive, he has a rare chromosome abnormality. He needed daily injections of growth hormone for 13 years… and he tested me every step of the way! But I learned so much about love in the process.
        Only since I started this blog experience have I given my self permission to “feel” and let memories like these surface again.
        Just getting through day to day was so challenging back then.
        Guess it’s time I can finally breathe! And let them in! Thanks for the assist, if unintentional!

      6. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
        Holistic Wayfarer

        Unbelievable. I cannot tell you how mind-blowing it’s been to tap open stories from bloggers. Oh what a challenge for you. How your son has turned out is a tremendous testament to your labor of love. Why not write about those days?

        Xxx
        Diana

      7. silverliningsanddustbunnies Avatar
        silverliningsanddustbunnies

        I believe I will. Thanks for your encouragement!

  24. agjorgenson Avatar
    agjorgenson

    My eyes too smart… even now that they have we and they have let go and they now come back but for a time.

    Reply
    1. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
      Holistic Wayfarer

      Aww…

      (Been thinking of you. =) )

      Reply
  25. Choosing Avatar
    Choosing

    Lovely moment, written in a way that touches every mother’s heart, I am sure. I did touch mine. Made me think of the day (not long ago) my little one asked me if he can live with us as long as he wanted… like, forever? I told him that the day will come when he will want to leave, live on his own. He looked at me with eyes that just could not imagine wanting to do anything that stupid…. 😉

    Reply
    1. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
      Holistic Wayfarer

      “with eyes that just could not imagine wanting to do anything that stupid….” LOL!

      As I said in response to Curt here, (on second thought) I’m not sure we’ll want them with us ’til they’re 35. Ha ha ha.

      But the talk with your little one absolutely brought to mind those talks with my son. His eyes would grow wide and he’d shake his head that no, he will not marry and leave me.

      HA. *S what you say, ’til the pretty woman comes ’round!*

      Reply
  26. aishasoasis Avatar
    aishasoasis

    Congratulations, I’ve just awarded you with the Seed of Light Award! Please come to a party to recieve your award, at:
    https://aishasoasis.wordpress.com/2014/06/28/rooftop-gardening-rebooting-the-tomatoes/
    ;^)

    Reply
  27. ianscyberspace Avatar
    ianscyberspace

    Make the most of those moments. They grow up too soon.

    Reply
    1. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
      Holistic Wayfarer

      Sigh. Seriously. Thanks.

      Reply
  28. atempleton Avatar
    atempleton

    So sweet. You never know when these moments are going to come.

    Reply
    1. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
      Holistic Wayfarer

      When I’m not so tired – or preoccupied with the writing on the Holistic Journey – I am more in tune to them. =)

      Xxx

      Reply
  29. celebratingsunshine24 Avatar
    celebratingsunshine24

    Oh, so beautiful!… You should write more about your son. Write down everything: the way he talks, the way he eats, what he says, the way he smells, the way he sounds, the way he sleeps, the way he plays and loves, his jokes, his words, everything. Soon, he is going to go to college and your house will be empty. Time flies. Believe me, I know what I’m talking about. 🙂

    Reply
    1. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
      Holistic Wayfarer

      I, actually, have a post Words Between Mom and Boy, from last year. =) Did pretty well, too. All to say it apparently reached grown-up hearts. Just last night I added to my journal list of things he said. VeBaLLy enjoying his dinner, “Mom, I’m an expert at eating.” LOL! I hope to give him the list when he’s a young man. WAHHH!!

      Xxxx
      Diana

      Reply
  30. Michele Anderson Avatar
    Michele Anderson

    So sweet. They grow up way too fast, so enjoy every moment.

    Reply
    1. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
      Holistic Wayfarer

      Sigh. Thanks. =)

      Reply
  31. eightdecades Avatar
    eightdecades

    It is good we all have a place to tell these moments. It is good we have others to comment lest we miss the moments ourselves.
    It is good that we all feel this in others.
    Nice posting.

    Reply
    1. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
      Holistic Wayfarer

      What thoughtful input. Thank you. =)

      Reply
  32. Cindi Avatar
    Cindi

    That’s a heart-moment you will NEVER forget!

    Reply
    1. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
      Holistic Wayfarer

      =) *sniff sniff*
      We all have those, whether we have kids or not.

      Reply
  33. lumar1298 Avatar
    lumar1298

    Ohhhhh…. So lovely abs true… Eventually, we all have to let go…

    Reply
    1. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
      Holistic Wayfarer

      :/

      Reply
  34. chrisb-jwordsandimages Avatar
    chrisb-jwordsandimages

    Lovely, and moving.

    Reply
    1. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
      Holistic Wayfarer

      Thanks so much for reading.

      Reply
  35. Zara Avatar
    Zara

    Aww…this is absolutely beautiful!:)

    Reply
    1. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
      Holistic Wayfarer

      Just caught the moment on paper when it caught my heart. Thank you. =)

      Reply
  36. piratebobcat Avatar
    piratebobcat

    Yes. Whenever our 5 yr old tells me randomly how much he misses/loves me. Or the days when he won’t let me leave cause he doesn’t want to let go. I wonder. When will it turn?
    Have you heard Darius Rucker’s “It won’t be like this for long?” Listen to it when you get a chance.

    Reply
    1. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
      Holistic Wayfarer

      Will turn all too soon.

      I’ll be sharing the song and the lyrics with hubby. Thanks.

      Reply
  37. lscotthoughts Avatar
    lscotthoughts

    Oh, what a precious and sentimental moment…and that staircase looks so much like ours in our previous home..lovely post and one I can relate to years ago. My children are older, but still around, off and on, between college and I’m still sentimental. 🙂

    Reply
    1. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
      Holistic Wayfarer

      Thanks for sharing, Lauren. It’s nice hearing from bloggers, getting to know you all on the different places of the journey you are on. =)

      Reply
  38. diahannreyes Avatar
    diahannreyes

    Beautiful moment to be cherished, for sure. Thank you for sharing, Diana. (Strange but I didn’t get a notice about this post, just happened to check your blog cuz it had felt like awhile.)

    Reply
    1. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
      Holistic Wayfarer

      Sweet of you to chk in and to read, D. Thx for taking a moment. Summer’s getting busier than I’m honestly happy about with all the extracurriculars I’m taking my boy to. This was a repost of one of my earlier pieces – since the majority of you didn’t see. I’m finding it’s hit and miss with email notifications on reposts. Some get them, some don’t.

      Xxx

      Reply
  39. SirenaTales Avatar
    SirenaTales

    Simultaneously poignant and uplifting–like the veritable emotional thunderstorm that mothering so often is. How wise of you to savor the moments as fully as you can, Diana. Thank you and enjoy….xoxo

    Reply
    1. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
      Holistic Wayfarer

      Hey thanks, Chloe. We don’t know how others find or receive what we share unless they reflect it back to us, now do we? Appreciate your taking a moment.

      Xxx

      Reply
  40. paiseypaige Avatar
    paiseypaige

    That day comes too fast. Grateful to still have two at home. Good for you living in that moment.

    Reply
    1. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
      Holistic Wayfarer

      I was just thinking of you this wk, Paisey. =) That moment just caught me. But it’s a constant challenge to hold onto the irreplaceable mundane in this mad dash called living.

      Reply
  41. bardessdmdenton Avatar
    bardessdmdenton

    Such a treasure of a moment. Things may change, but that memory will remain. Precious.

    Reply
    1. Beth Avatar
      Beth

      When puberty strikes… it’s that bull in the china closet that changes the boy to an adolescent. From there you will feel the alienation. I have two sons; wonderful men, but they do not hug me these days.

      Reply
      1. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar
        Holistic Wayfarer

        Well, hope is my lifeline in all things. What you share is what grew up expecting of seeing in teens and young adults but I actually know of homeschool boys who turn out differently. Thanks for the heads-up, though. I will brace myself.

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