The summer of grace

Last year I decided to do something wholly selfish. In the midst of the overcoming already daunting obstacles, I went back to school in persuit of my Masters degree. And while, 8 year old you will probably remember very little of this time, it is one I wont forget. Its significance will continue to hold on to my heart, because in it you have shown me something that I am forever grateful for, something I don’t always feel deserving of, but something that speaks multitudes about you Aiden Matthew. You have shown me Grace.

Amid the long nights of studying, and waking up after three hours of sleep you approach me cheerfully. Fully aware, you ask me how long you slept, and then how long I slept. Then you calucuate our sleep discrepencies, and pushing that cheeky grin into my face to say good morning, give a hug, and urge me to get my first cup of coffee, readily telling me your dreams the whole way. Grace.

Coming out to the patio to ask for the third time in thirty minutes how much longer my paper will take because you have discovered a great new game that we have to play, and never making me feel guilty, but instead bargaining for extra time. “Okay, but after twenty more minutes take a break and play,” you decipher. Grace.

Asking questions about what it means to master something, and being genuinely excited about the concept. Grace.

Finding moments where you come out of nowhere and offer a hug, and telling me you love more just to engage in our “Not possible aussible,” exchange. Grace.

And amid my moments of overwhelming frustration, you are there, and you are kind. Grace. 

Perhaps none of this was a prevalent to me as it was this summer, when my overwhelming school load impeded its way into our awesome east coast vacation. However, instead of letting it get to us we improvised - on every flight, car ride, bus ride, etc. that I had to read and write papers, there you were right next to me, just being the awesome kid you know how to be. Grace.  

You are so special kid. And I am so lucky to get to watch you grow into the amazing kid you are.