Boom Chicka Boom

This Memorial Day I celebrated with some of my closest friends. We had a huge spread of pizza items, laughter, and fun.

In the course of the evening Alaina was becoming a bit bored with the adults who were not playing her games. She of course, does not understand why we would come "home" unless we were coming to play with her.

So, I decided to teach a game to Alaina that we sometimes play at school. Keep in mind Alaina is only three, and this is a game I play with K-2nd graders. It's called a Boom Chicka Boom, and you repeat that phrase, amongst a couple longer ones, in different voices, volumes, and rythyms.

Alaina was quite fascinated. She was amazingly capable, obviously gifted. She didn't want to stop. What was even more surprising to me was Jadyn's reaction. She was mesmerized, completely entranced by the game. I almost thought she would join in (even though she only speaks when she deems necessary). She was even laughing at us!

The thing about kids is the lack most of the inhibitions adults operate under.

After we finished playing, Alaina told me she loved me. Now this is not the first time she has told me this, but it is one of the few times she has said it spontaneously. It melted my heart.

I imagine it is moments like these that get parents through the days where the screaming, yelling, crying, and repeating the same thing ten thousand times have them wanting to switch lives with anyone else on the planet.

I imagine it is moments like these that parents remember when they are watching their children walk across the stage at graduation.

I imagine it is moments like these that give you a glimpse that the seeds of love you have sown into your child are bearing fruit.

I know it is moments like this that cause my heart to ache for the day my arms hold my own child.

Alaina, I love you more than you know.