Football, Bubblegum and Double Digits
Matt is ten. Excuse me for a minute while I hide my head. Or laugh. Or run screaming from this room. I haven’t decided yet.
Crazy year. Zach turned sixteen. Hannah hit teen-ager status. And now this…
He reached for my hand during church Sunday but not to hold it. Instead, he began to intently measure us finger to finger, one by one, in the same way that he often compares our feet. And these days, if we stand next to one another Matt will reflexively run a hand across the top of his head in a straight line to my chin, grinning at my feigned horror as his hand creeps ever higher toward my nose…
He is measuring much more than mere physical progress though. This past week Matt tallied the year’s accomplishments: whistling whole songs, blowing bubbles with his gum, playing on a football team, operating the garage door keypad (he mastered the armpit noise years ago)… Matt is a contemplative soul taking stock of the first ten years of his journey.
When Hannah was two-ish, I used to cradle her little face and ask her oh so tenderly, “are you my youngest or my middle child?” Hannah didn’t have much to say on the subject of additional brothers, but she eventually gained Matthew.
He has grown from beloved family mascot (toted to his first soccer game when he was three days old) to a wise and funny force. Matt is one of those
remarkable people who is simply determined to be happy. I love that. He doesn’t leave the house for school in the morning so much as launch himself into the day. He is exuberant, charming, tender and always hopeful. He knows how to ask for what he needs (“Mom, I really need a massage. I’ve had a hard day.”), something many of us struggle to do for a lifetime. He also knows how to give… flowers, hugs and his own quite wonderful shoulder rubs. He knows how to make all of us laugh and when his mom really needs a smile.
Matt is the youngest of three so he’s a little wiser and a little more confident than his siblings might have been. Had Matt been in his older brother Zach’s class, I’d have watched to see if this slightly savvy long-haired kid would be a good influence. Because people notice Matt and he can make anything sound fun. Even standing in snow drifts to catch his kicks (because every season is football season) and sledding across a not-quite-frozen creek…
He says “thank you” both for current kindnesses as well as for long ago events. I think the enduring quality of his gratitude is a major component of his optimistic perspective. Something to think about…
He’s been my bodyguard (“sign here for an hour’s service”), cheese waiter (“mark down what kind of cheese you want me to bring you”) and self-designated family trash man, faithfully hauling the cans to the curb every Wednesday (or is it Thursday? Have to ask Matt…).
Matt has created dozens of little routines with me that give daily life a brighter glow. From tossing a mini football every morning before school (in the house… can you tell he’s my youngest?) to a little Italian phrase he translated to speak to me as he leaves to catch his bus…
Yeah. I’m a fan. So I guess I’ll skip the screaming and the hiding and just laugh with him. Matt’s tenth year measurement marked on the inside of the kitchen pantry brings him a little closer to my height, but ten years with Matt has brought him even closer to my heart.
Wow! A daughter reaches teenage status…stand well back!
My 3rd blogaversary post is now up!
I love posts like this. Thank you for sharing.
There are few things in life more precious than children. You are blessed! After 10 comes dating and girls right? Just kidding! (smile)
He is really cool and he love sports! Thanks for sharing more stories about him.
I love it Heather.
Oh tell me about it! I swear just yesterday I was changing diapers now we are preparing for his wedding in October. Yikes!!
All of my girls are adults except the youngest, and she leaves from under my wing in July, thats when she’ll be 18…time flies so quickly…;)
Must be a great feeling having quite possibly the next Tom Brady growing up in your own home.
Great to see he is involved in the outdoors and not caged in front of the TV (smile)….
Awww, they are so precious! And beautiful!
Isn’t it amazing how on the one hand, it seems like it takes forever for time to pass by… but then, looking at the children and how quickly they grow, it seems like the blink of an eye?
At times, it makes me realize I’m getting “old” (at least, when I was a KID my age in numbers seemed so old), but you know, I really don’t FEEL old, despite what the number says!
Do you??
(Very sweet post. Loved it. Enjoy them! )
JEAN-LUC,
It is the year of “significant” birthdays here!
My parents had four teen-age daughters at the same time, hopefully I’m up to the task of one!
Congrats on three years! I enjoyed reading your “highlights” post…
Thanks DELMER. I always enjoy reading about your boys. I know your “logistics’ issues rival my own during sports seasons!
INTREPID,
Girls have “noticed” Matt since pre-school. Fortunately none of them have a good enough throwing arm to catch his attention yet!
LAND PROJECTS UK,
Matt really is a fun kid. I will really miss playing with him when he outgrows my skill level in his chosen sports.
Bellisimo. Great read. Brought back memories of my two boys now 28 and 25. Lots of parallels. Keep enjoying!
Bob.
You have beautiful children. I love hearing a mother’s tender, honest words. There is nothing more beautiful on this earth.
Great photos!!! Super post!!!
Hugs, JJ
What a great kid. You should be very proud.
I am back from Egypt and Italy in one piece and trying to get used to the cool autumn weather.
I appreciate all of your comments so much and am sorry I’ve been slow to respond. Had a family issue to deal with…
Thank you HEALTH IS WEALTH. I’m always glad for your visits!
DEBO HOBO: I was lucky to have a great mom-in-law when married to my ex. She always made me feel so very welcome and really set the tone for things with his family. Hoping that you also gain a really sweet relationship with your son’s pending marriage…
mee mOe: We have to constantly adjust our understanding of how best to be “mom” with our kids, don’t we? It sounds as if you’ve handled your transitions to this point with grace…
JOLLYJO: Yes, Matt’s of the age that a pro-football career is at the top of his list! Regarding the TV… I’m a bit militant on that. Electronics are always the “last resort” option, to the point that I sometimes hear, “Mom, why do we even HAVE a TV??!” (And I usually respond, “You’re right! Maybe we don’t need one at all!”)
KIMBA: I don’t feel old enough to have this many wonderful memories… Know what I mean?
Thanks BOB. I look at the pre-school set and have the same sort of flashbacks. Who knew that frog-hunting would linger as such a great memory?!
JJ: I want my kids to know how well I “see” them, and simultaneously, how very much I love them. Love is not blind but is filled with grace… We have three yardsticks in the kitchen pantry. Each has one of their names written on it to remind them that each is measured only by their own stick… (a moment of desperate illustration a few years ago!)
SUZANNE: I’m so glad you’re back and that your trip was good! Hoping to catch up on some of my favorite sites tomorrow (including yours)…