Oldest Son

Some sort of cold/flu has hit our house again taking down Daddy on Thursday and Friday and knocking me out today. Nevertheless, we had to keep going as we have a NET team arriving on Tuesday for a week's stay. Thus, the basement bedroom needed assembling, the bathrooms required a good scrubbing and linens had to be laundered. I was able to rest in the afternoon as Dave and Hannah worked downstairs, Joseph napped, Jacob read and Benjamin played.

Post nap and pre-supper, in that hour when all things go awry, I decided that what was needed was a walk. More specifically, I thought that Joseph should go outside so that Dave could work with a little more quiet. Actually, after depositing Joseph downstairs, he had been delivered back into my arms soaking wet and smelling yeasty. He had knocked over his Daddy's beer and had proved to be the proverbial straw to Dave's camel. However, after Joseph told me in no uncertain terms that he was not going to be put into his snowsuit, Dave agreed to a ceasefire and I put out a call to the troops. A yes from Jacob was my only answer.

It is rare that I get time alone with only one of the kids; still more rare that it happens to be Jacob. Jacob is a very intelligent young boy with a good deal of energy who, if I am honest, can be challenging at times. When all the other kids are asleep in the van he is always left awake waving to us from his distant seat. When I tiptoe into the bedrooms to turn out lights, I am often greeted by a, "Whatcha doin'?" or, "Hi, Mom!" from the oldest of our crew. Much to my regret, it is seldom that I ever get to just be with this remarkable little boy and absorb (with wonder) that, frustrations aside, he is really something else.

We set off into the frigid cold of our northern town and, despite two very bulky pairs of mitts, he insisted on holding my hand the entire walk. I didn't dare let go. As we walked and he talked, I re-saw why this little boy can be so charming. His first remark upon stepping outside was, "I like your new hat, Mom. It is very cute." He then spent the rest of our time conversing about conditions on the moon, the North Star, his dislike of skidoos, the playground at school (which he showed me), Saints, Grandpa Nick and many other subjects. I was renewed in my commitment to this little boy as he revealed to me a little more of who he is becoming. As we returned to the warmth of our home, I reflected that it is rare to meet a five-year old gentleman but today I took a turn around the block with one.