Love You Forever

Have you read this little children's book?

It's been in print for a very long time

so chances are you are familiar with it.

I happened across the book again recently

and was vividly reminded

of the first time I saw it.

Our youngest son was in college

and Mister and I had gone to visit him one weekend.

During the visit we went through a local mall

to pick up some college things for him.

(College kids are always needy, aren't they?!)

One of our stops was the bookstore at the mall.

In the bookstore there was a display

featuring the "Love You Forever" book.

Son says, "Oh Mom, have you seen this book?"

I picked up the book and began to quickly

read through it.

Then I began to CRY!

Not just a little,

a LOT,

the crying one does when they

can't catch their breath.

The ugly-screw-up-your-face

cry.

People began to look.

We exited the store.

Son and Mister were astounded

as I am one that N-E-V-E-R

cries.  (well, rarely, and only when

I'm alone, with the door shut)

Son is flustered and apologetic

and Mister is shaking his head

and confused.

I vowed to N-E-V-E-R read this

book again.

It is more than I can handle.

I.Am.Weak.

And.I.Am.Vulnerable.

When.I.Read.Those.Words.

*Fast-Forward with me to

6 weeks later*

It was Mother's Day.

I was dressed in my new dress

and thrilled that all our children

were coming in from college to

attend church with us on this

special day.

The BIG church was packed,

pew to pew, aisle to aisle.

We sang.  We prayed.

and THEN

the Children's Minsiter made

a few comments about this special

day, "Mother's Day".

And for this special occasion

she had chosen to read a story,

"Love You Forever".

I looked to the right of me.

I looked to the left of me.

There was no way of exiting

the crowded pew quickly.

I mentally recited the alphabet;

I went to the "happy place"

in my mind,

but there was no ignoring

those words.

I made an awful scene.

There was lots of noisey crying,

snot-slinging, and hic-upped sobs.

I simply couldn't quit crying

I lumbered across the laps

of the people seated on our pew

as I made my way to the aisle

and out the back door.

This was not my finest moment.

I still don't understand

why this book upsets me so.

Perhaps it has something to

do with the passing of time

and little boys growing

into grown men.

Happy Birthday to our
baby boy, Tate!
I wish we could be with you today.

~Mom