Tonight I took the little guy to kindergarten roundup. Unfortunately we spent most of our time in long lines. The thing is, I couldn’t help but stand beside him in awe. He practiced patient waiting. He read a book. He drew a picture. He talked to the people around us. He smiled and smiled and smiled.
Then came the final stage, after all this waiting, to get the last of his needed shots. I took him aside and explained the situation. “I don’t want to do it, Mom.”
“I know, but sometimes we have to do things we don’t want. I know you’ll be brave.”
Tyson, a boxer, trained as a therapy dog, was by his side. The boy in front of him screamed and thrashed and screamed. Sam covered his ears, his eyes the size of quarters. “Is it going to hurt?”
“Yes, but it will go away. You will be okay. And remember, does screaming loudly make it feel better?”
“No,” he petted Tyson more.
With one hand he held mine and with the other he petted Tyson. He squeezed his eyes shut tight and accepted his shots. Tears on the edge of his eyes, he said, “That hurt, Mom. I think I need a hug to make it better.”
I hugged him, tears brimming my eyes too. He spotted some toys over my shoulder, “I think I need to play a little to make it better.” I sat his feet on the ground and he laughed spinning on a sit-n-spin.
It’s fun to be around someone who is joyful. He would have rather been building domino runs, playing trains, running in the back yard, or celebrating Got’Cha Day with his sisters. Instead we were standing in line after line after line. And he smiled. Getting shots isn’t fun. It hurts a little. And after it was over, he laughed.
It reminds me to smile even when I don’t feel like it. To smile when I’d rather be doing something else. To make the best of life when the unexpected, unpleasant events face me. I needed these reminders today. Maybe kindergarten roundup wasn’t for him, but for me instead.
Discover more from TWO WRITING TEACHERS
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Your son is blessed to have you by his side. It’s beautiful to see how he has courage to go through the tough parts. The dialogue brought his personality to life. Blessed reminder to me.
LikeLike
What a moment. Time flies by.
LikeLike
Lovely. Sigh.
LikeLike
Ruth,
Your blend of description and dialogue bring this moment to life. I am impressed by the self-awareness and language skills of your son. I am also in awe of the quality of your reflection. I, too, needed the reminder to, “make the best of life when the unexpected, unpleasant events face me.”
Thank you for sharing,
Erin
LikeLike
I teared up a little at this too. Also thought what a wise mama you are to talk him through the shots the way you did. Happy Got’cha Day!
LikeLike
I really enjoy these private glimpses into your life. Your children seem a great delight. They will surely have many memories to treasure.
LikeLike
“It’s fun to be around someone who is joyful.” Our children are so often the best examples for how to go through life, whether we need to practice patience, weather anxious anticipation, experience pain, play – (hopefully play!) – and ask for hugs when we need them. Thank you for a story that says it all!
LikeLike
Tears here, too. I can’t believe he’s going to be in kindergarten! You know how I love your posts about your kids, and this one was beautiful. And it reminded me of the sweetness of yesterday’s post again. Thanks, Ruth!
LikeLike
I loved it when he said he thought he needed a hug!
We don’t have shots at our kindergarten round up. It looks like your son handled it like a champ, but I wonder about the other kids. Does it seem to make some more anxious about school if they have the memory of kindergarten round up including shots?
LikeLike
More tears here, too. A nice way to end a night of writing.
LikeLike
I definitely notice ‘the power of three’ laced throughout this tear-jerker! When craft meets honest emotion, you get a perfect slice. So thrilled to be welcome to read your words. Especially today’s words.
LikeLike
You crafted such a tender story, Ruth. I felt like the mom standing in line behind you, watching you encourage and comfort your son. He was so brave. I like how you used this narrative to get to the heart of the story, that deeper meaning you learned by observing his reactions.
LikeLike
Awesome post–I cannot believe he’s going to K!
Glad I decided to read a few slices and try to post.
LikeLike
I know that your words brought tears to my eyes, too. Your son showed such courage, used his words to get what he needed, & celebrated his accomplishment. You must have taught him all that through the years. I hope his kindergarten is a wonderful place. Thanks for the tribute & the lesson.
LikeLike