HEARTWARMING

I checked in with an out-of-town friend to see how her New Year's Eve was, and here's what she wrote:

I had a very good time with my son on New Year's Eve. I took my daughter and her girlfriend to another girl's house for an overnight party, and briefly left my son at home. When I returned, I brought him something to eat from town. While he was eating, I asked if he wanted to put the telescope together that I got him for Christmas. His response was his usual, "I don't know," so I decided to start putting it together myself while he ate.

I was still tackling it (the instructions were pretty vague) when he got done eating, so he helped me. After much trial and error, we got it assembled correctly and took it outside. It was a beautiful, clear night with about a 3/4 moon. He didn't have much patience with figuring out how to focus it and was about to give up. I convinced him to let me try and brought the moon into focus with a 20mm viewfinder. When he saw it, he was just overcome. He hugged me tighter and longer than he has in years! I can't wait for the next clear night to try to find another planet! We also ate ice cream (Chunky Monkey for me :-) and played Monopoly, which we ended up carrying over until the next day when he finally beat me.

Wow! Even though I'm single and childless, I totally get just how amazing of an experience that was for my friend. Moments like those are to be cherished forever.

Those are amazing moments and wonderful to read. In this day and age of immediate gratification it is encouraging to read this type of story. The child learned a lesson that something was worth the effort and wait. The mom should get major kudos! Thanks, Mikal.

In the past couple of years, I have begun sharing similar moments with my 3 nephews. It really can be amazing. I can only imagine how parenthood would feel. Maybe one day.