When the day came I was so excited. When I asked why my mother and sister weren't joining us on our adventure, my Dad shook his head and said they wouldn't enjoy it. (I think he just wanted a day for me and him, even more so he wanted to go and I was his best buddy along for the ride).
We arrived at the park (a 2+ hour or so drive from our home) when the gates opened and didn't leave until the park closed for the night. We rode every ride we wanted, some repeatedly over and over again. We screamed on rollar coasters and giggled all day long. Our day was filled with feasts of hot dogs, cotton candy and funnel cake. This is a day that I will always remember. As we drove home, I kept reliving the day in my mind and talking to him about all the fun we had.
As we came in the house that night, my mother was in the kitchen and the expression on her face was not a happy one. She asked my Dad how much we spent on our little adventure - I learned in that moment that my parents did not see things the same way. I realized that my mom thought it was frivolous to do what we did and spend the money we spent. In that moment, I spoke up and said something so profound I couldn't believe it came from 13 year old me - in the most "matter-a-fact" tone I uttered these words:
"Mom, you can always get more money; you can't always get more memories"
With that I turned and went to my room.
These words that I uttered back then have been etched on my very soul since then. Life is about the simple things - usually they don't cost much money but have a lasting impression and create the most wonderful of memories.
Buying ice cream off the ice cream truck in the summer
Going to the park
Spending TIME with my son
All this is background to what I really want to tell you today:
Last night, I had 2 whole giggle filled hours with my little guy. Daddy went off to Bible Study and it was just the two of us (+ the dog). Alex has mastered turning the Ipod Jux Box on and off and he turned it on last night (Ke$ha was set to play). I began to dance around like a fool and before I knew it Alex came up, took me by both hands and begain to dance along with me. He grinned up at me and wiggled back and forth. We ended the night playing with cars on his ramp in the basement, followed by bath (his FAVORITE thing) and bed.
Lately our nights together have been busy and our time together has not been very long. I've noticed him being clingy at bedtime, wrapping his arms tightly around my neck and nuzzling into me. He will cry when I place him in his crib with his blankie; he's tired, wants to go to sleep but his desire to spend time with Mommy trumps all that. He misses me and it breaks my heart. I work full time, which is the best thing for my family right now, for 4 years I was the sole provider - alot of pressure. Last night was just the salve for both of ours souls; when I laid him down last night he gladly welcomed the embrace of his crib and looked up at me with a smile in his eyes and across his face.
He may not remember tonight when he is all grown, but I will and it's these little moments - dancing around the living room with my boy - that I will cherish forever.
Today's little moments become tomorrow's precious memories.
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