4.02.2009

Henry on the Inside


You've probably gathered from many of my posts that my Henry is quite a character. And that sometimes I have no idea what to do with / about / for him.

Sometimes his outside behavior and slightly volatile temperament are really hard for me to step back from and respond to in any kind of rational manner. The up side is that if I ever develop true patience, it will be almost all because of him.

There are things about him, too, that keep me in check and help me remember his "insides," reminding me to tread lightly and not assume that tough behavior means he has a tough heart. Maybe just the opposite.

I overheard him talking to Calvin the other night before they fell asleep:

"Hey Calvin? Remember that one time when Lily gave me flowers she picked and told me sorry because you guys were being really, really mean to me?...She could have given you flowers, too, not just only me. I wouldn't care. That would have been good for you to have some, too."

5 comments:

Gabriela said...

Awwww. My relationship with my 8 year old son sounds very similar. Frustrating a lot of the time, but then there are those moments that he does something to reveal his sweet little heart and it makes me cry and feel guilty for not being more patient and positive on a daily basis. Definitely a worthwile challenge.

Sir Nottaguy-Imadad said...

My seven year old grandson is like that. Sometimes he makes me want to tear my hair out, other times, he is a wealth of humor and insight.

NOBODY said...

Oh that sweet little boy. To go with that adorable face.

Suddenly he is not a baby at all. Where's the checks and the baby face? Seriously, I would not have known that was him if I saw the picture somewhere else. He's absolutely darling. Those eyes melt my heart.

NOBODY said...

"checks" is Ukranian for cheeks.

in cas you didn't know that

NOBODY said...

Are you wearing a jacket and sandals.

T!