We, as humans, tend to get comfortable. And when we reach an optimal level of comfort, we sometimes develop a false sense of security. Maslow's hierarchy of needs stressing importance of having basic security, but this is not what I mean. I mean the false security that causes us to take for granted the things we love most in this world. It does not make us bad people, it's an easy habit to fall into, and we have all done it.
Today I learned of a friend that lost a son over the weekend. She lost a son in a most tragic way, and my heart broke for her. I, at a young age, lost a brother. and as a teenager, I lost another brother. It shook my whole world. I never could, and still do not understand how my parents could possibly cope with such a loss. I have 3 sons of my own, and I am not confident that I could ever function as a human being if I was to lose any of them.
Needless to say, when I returned home from work, I hugged each of my children that are here until the point they started to question it. I called my oldest son to tell him how much he means to me, and that I love him. I felt him rolling his eyes through the phone.
I am so proud of all 3 of my sons, and how bright they are. Just yesterday, Jayce asked me if I knew why plant cells had a cell wall. I told him that I did not, so I could see the glow in his eye as he took the next 25 minutes explaining it to me. If I have anything to say, these boys will master science and grammar. The school system will have to handle the rest.
As we approach the end of summer, our conversations have shifted to the anticipation of starting a new school year. He is especially nervous, as this will be his first year in middle school. He asks me what he should do if he encounters a bully, how he should react if he meets a girl he likes, and so on. Most of my answers spark a laugh, or at the very least, a smile.
This morning when I woke up, on my dresser was Dawn's old (expensive) chromatic harmonica. I can only assume that this was left here for me, so I grabbed it, and went downstairs to play a few songs for a quick morning practice. Spoiler alert: I am getting good. Next year's camping trips are going to be musical. I could feel all three boys sighing in embarrassed disbelief as I typed that sentence.
I did a bit of research online last night as I was waiting for the thunderstorm to pass, and I think next summer will be the summer that Jacob and I take the plunge, right out of the side of an airplane. I was excited when he took an interest in skydiving last time we were talking about it, and I cannot wait to share this with him! Provided I can talk his mother into giving him permission. Until next year, I will keep chipping away at Dawn, but I do not think that she will ever agree to joining us.
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