Tuesday, November 4, 2008

I Hope You ( I ) Dance...

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Aaron Jr. holding my leg and saying "I want to hold you" today.
(and probably wishing I would just put down the camera already)

So, I needed to share an experience I had tonight. It is simple, but it taught me a brilliant lesson. We got home from a trip this evening (I will share a post about that when I get the photos ready to put on here), and after travelling, I was pretty tired and wanted to relax.

Aaron Jr. brought me a DVD that I bought several years ago for one dollar that had never been opened, but because there were kids on the front of it, he was all about it tonight. I put it in for him and as soon as it started, there was upbeat music and the kids on the show were dancing, so immediately Aaron Jr. started dancing and wanted me to dance as well.

So, I danced as well until the opening song was over, then we both sat down.

After the show played through one time (it was short), he wanted me to start it again, so I did. Well, the music started again and he was off of the couch in a flash and said to me "Dance!"

So, I told HIM to dance. He started dancing, but then stopped and said he wanted ME to dance as well. I told him I was too tired. At that point, his face dropped, he turned around, and started heading towards the couch to sit down.
I was sick. I realized that a simple NON act from me had broken his tender little heart. So, I immediately forgot about my tired and lazy desires and I jumped right up and started dancing with him.


His face soared. He was so excited and he jumped right in and danced. I grabbed his hands and started dancing WITH him and he was laughing so hard.

It was such a small and simple thing that I could do to make him so happy, which meant that I was so happy as well. If I had just sat there and let him walk back to the couch, I would have regretted it. I am so glad he wanted me to dance with him and I am so glad that I did. It made me smile and I will never forget how I felt. It was a tender mercy.

A simple act today saved me from a major regret tomorrow.

This goes along with how I have felt a lot lately. When I get impatient with Aaron Jr. or tell him to 'wait' or 'hold on' or 'in a minute' when he wants my attention, I usually think in my mind about how I would feel if I lost him and he wasn't here tomorrow. I am not perfect, but I am prompted every day to show an increase of love for him and for others. Like I said, I am so imperfect, but losing Aaron and having the regrets that I have has made me think more about the simple acts that I can do to make Aaron Jr. feel extra love from me. He SO deserves it.

FUNNY STORY:
At the airport today, we were flying standby, so they always send us through more security than normal. Aaron Jr. stood there watching as a lady frisked me (patted me down). Last time we flew, a guy actually patted down Aaron Jr. as well. That is pretty funny and not funny at the same time. Anyhow, when the lady told me I was clear to go, I started walking out and Aaron Jr. started following me, but then stopped. I turned around to find him patting himself down. He was doing it just like the lady had done it. He patted down his legs, his arms and then his torso. It was hysterical. I was laughing SO hard. Then a sad thing happened, he walked away from me while I was retrieving our bags and turned a corner and ran smack into a glass wall. The glass was too clean, I guess. His head literally bounced off of the glass. It was so sad and yet it was also funny. He got a bump on his forehead... poor little guy.

I am SO glad I danced tonight with Aaron Jr. and I am even more grateful that he asked me to dance. I love my sweet little boy.

and I love you, Aaron...

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16 comments:

LL said...

so sweet, I love that you shared this, another great reminder.
and I loved the airport story, funny little guy!

Clippy Mat said...

i hope you dance too.
lovely story.
:-))

Momza said...

Leslie, My kids have run into glass walls/doors too--and it is so comical and sad at the same time. (I hate it when my kids get hurt too!)
I love the image of Aaron Jr. patting himself down like the security--I hope the security people got to see that--it'd probably make their day!
Thanks for sharing!

Mindy said...

Our kids sometimes teach us the best life lessons! I loved the story of Aaron Jr. patting himself down... so cute!

dani said...

i'm glad you did, too, leslie:)
love,
dani

Lisa said...

what a sweet story, and a sweet boy. it is always obvious that he wants nothing more than for you to be happy. to me, it is as if he is his dad's (earthly and heavenly) little missionary...here to make sure that you find joy & happiness. that is all they, all three of them, want. for you to be happy. thanks for sharing.

Sarah said...

These are the moments that make being a mom so great! I love learning from my kids and seeing the world through their eyes. Thank you for sharing this story. We all need to take a minute every day and just be in the moment.

Tabitha said...

So glad you danced too!
There is a song that I love, which is called 'I hope you dance' ~ and I love the words!
Take care my friend,
love and hugs XXXXXX

Jennifer Bowman said...

Thank you for sharing this, its a great reminder for me as a busy Mommy to savor the small things and work to have NO regrets!

Jennifer Bowman said...

Thank you for sharing this, its a great reminder for me as a busy Mommy to savor the small things and work to have NO regrets!

BattFam said...

Hi Leslie, Well you don't know who I am but I just ran onto your blog from Sarah Pierce. I love to read you blog as you are so inspiring. You make me realize what I need to do to be a better mom and wife. I am so sorry about your husband. It is probably one of my biggest fears of loosing a child or husband. Thanks again for being such as amazing women and posting it so everyone can see.

Desiree Batt

Kristi said...

I am glad that you got up and danced with him. I need to do things like that more for my kids. Pregnancy is no longer an excuse for me.
Poor little head bump, but funny story. I think everyone has done that right?...at least I have.
I like the frisking story. I mean, why wouldn't they frisk him too? :)

Joann said...

There are so many times that I have regretted not doing things with my girls. I have made an effort recently, however, to take your advice and give in to being a Mommy. I try to turn off the television more and actually spend time with the kids. It is well worth the effort, even when I'm beat.

I am sorry to say that I had to laugh at the story of Aaron Jr. running into the glass door. So sad. But, I just had to chuckle. Do you ever feel like a mean mom when you laugh at things like that? I do...sort of ;)

Anonymous said...

Leslie,
I have been reading your blog for a few months now....somedays I cry, somedays I laugh! You are such a strong woman! I have a little boy who loves to dance with me, so your post today made me think of all those dances! Keep your head up girl, Know someone is praying for you and your darling son in Oklahoma!!
Thanks for sharing.

Anonymous said...

I've walked into a glass door...and recently too. Very embarassing.

Love to you

Jane

Chatty Natty said...

Leslie, I love that you use the word "brilliant"...so British. Cute story, made me smile.