Monday, March 17, 2008

It Seems Our Job Here is Done

Tom and I like to joke about how Logan pretty much raises himself. We're here just in case of fire.

I struggle to stay one step ahead of my kid. He often trips me up and catches me sleeping on the job of being his mom.

He reminds me to help him with him homework, makes sure I am planning to attend a meeting with his teacher, remembers things I miss on the grocery list and lets me know that his car seat straps aren't nearly tight enough. While it's all very helpful, it tends to make me feel a little bit like crap.

One day I was driving through McDonald's to get a diet coke. When it came time for me to pay, I could not find my money anywhere. I looked all through my purse, my briefcase, my car. It was no where to be found and I was certain I had put cash in my bag that very morning.

I pulled into a parking space (which I am sure thrilled the hungry people behind me waiting for their Big Macs) to continue the search. Finally, I did the one thing I had been putting off. I called my (then) four year old son for help.

Logan was at Sassy's house being watched by his Uncle Jim. It would be a lie to say I was not a whole lot embarrassed to have Uncle Jim ask Logan where I put my money that morning. Jim kept asking me if that's what I really intended for him to ask. Finally he did.

And sure enough, my boy had the answer. He got on the phone and let me know that I had thrown the cash in my red lunch bag. Then he went back to playing with his dinosaurs. I felt very foolish, and yet I was thrilled to be able to get my fountain pop.

Tonight I took Logan out for ice cream. As we sat at the table chatting about the importance of football and hockey jerseys (they are critical to his happiness), skiing (he wants to be on the bunny hill a little bit longer thank you very much) and Spring break (he called his grandma and sisters Big and Redd and made plans to spend it with them) he looked at me and said "Mom, if there is a fire, I will grab my coat and you get your purse, OK?".

I started to worry that perhaps my work here really is done. But then I looked at my kid with chocolate ice cream glommed all over his face and his shoes on the wrong feet and his hand that always needs to be touching me and realized we still have a long road ahead of us, thank you God.

It will just be easier during an emergency. He'll be able to remind me to grab my photo albums and purse on our way out the door. And there's nothing wrong with that.

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11 comments:

Ashlee said...

He sounds like an amazing kid. My daughter is able to tell you exactly where you left something too. If I've lost my shoes...she'll lead me right to them. I've used this more than once. Sadly, she is only 2. But she rocks. :0)

Anonymous said...

I totally know what you mean. Ella seems to raise herself, too.
Sometimes I forget she is even there, she is so self-entertaining.
And I have to admit that I have asked her where something is, too.
She keeps me grounded.
But, she told me that she still needs me to wipe her butt sometimes after she poops. Cause she just can't get it all sometimes. LOL
So, alas, I am still needed. :)

Anonymous said...

My husband is the forgetful one so I try to watch where he sets his stuff and commit it to memory. Sadly, my daughter is just like her dad. Love the little airhead but I hope some of my influence rubs off on her. Between the two of them it takes an hour to get out of the door!

Momisodes said...

What a sweet post :) He sounds like an incredible boy! Clearly you are doing something right..

Anonymous said...

We all have our calling and Logan's is to keep track of your stuff. And where you should be and when you should be and when you shoud be there; it's cheaper than a Blackberry. Relax and let him do it.

Valarie Lea said...

Awww he is such a sweet boy. :)

I don't know what I would do if the kids didn't remind me to make there doctors appointments. :)

Sister Sassy said...

Don't forget he still gets poop stuck in his butt. He certainly needs you for that.

Wade Huntsinger said...

You girls I swear, I guess we are all needed in some ways in the thing called life. I only wished I could do it all over again, wait forget I said that. Wait, we are with 8 boys. Oh God help me. Seriously, we have 2 or 3 boys that might be going home in the next few weeks. What to do as my heart will be broken but happy for them at the same time. Hmmmm

Sister Sassy said...

Aw Wade! You are a great man!! :)

Candy said...

It's good to know someone's got your back.

saintseester said...

Don't feel too bad. My kid tells me when she needs me to take her to the emergency room. Sigh.