Because of our busy schedules, we rarely see each other. This boy child who has become a man in such a short time – my only living child, my son.
Yet each time we are together, the emotional bond feels as strong as if we had never experienced a separation. We sit in the living room, watching the news or a rerun of Blue Bloods. We switch to ESPN and cheer for the Jayhawks.
Across those few feet in my living room, the emotional umbilical cord stretches. We are content to merely sit and be.
A certain joy exists when the child becomes an adult and the two of us can share the same space without the hormonal conflicts of a male teenager and a menopausal woman.
This peace indeed is a palpable blessing.
When I visit my mother in assisted living, we share the same bond. Though the roles are reversed and I am now the child – still we find a peaceful coexistence in the moment.
We watch television or not. We read or not. We sit silently without conflict, knowing that just being together is precious.
Until I sat with my child, I did not realize the pure treasure of sitting with a loved one.
No need for conversation. No stress to finish a chore. No desire to fix a meal or hurry anywhere.
Just the quiet assurance that we are together. Each of us knows a time will come when we cannot share such a physical space.
A sacred communion. An extraordinary gifting.
On either side of this juncture, I cherish the bond. Knowing my child will one day leave, certain my mother will graduate to heaven.
And I will be left – to savor this fragile breath we have shared and find hope that in the future – we will sit together again.
©2015 RJ Thesman – author of the Reverend G books – http://amzn.to/1rXlCyh
RJ, very well written. I can feel your heart. I am experiencing some stirrings of a similar relationship with my newly turned 18 year old son. He is maturing bit by bit and we have started to enjoy deep conversations and each other’s company. I appreciate the hope.
Thanks, Debbie. It is indeed a joy when maturity finally kicks in and we can talk like adults with our kids. It’s a precious time even as time is precious.
That was so beautiful! I sit here fighting tears…because I’m at work. ☺
Being a mommy of two boys, I treasure your words.
Thank you.
Jen Mellick
Orphan and Global REACH
Olathe Bible Church
913.764.8280 x204
Visit our REACH Blog at obcreach.wordpress.com!
Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.
James 4:8
Thank you, Jen. Hold those boys close. Time goes by so very quickly.
This is so beautiful.
Thank you, Elfrieda. I know you understand the joy and challenge of sitting with a loved one who journeys through Alzheimer’s. You are an inspiration to me!
I so enjoyed reading this…well done. blessings bea
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Thank you, Bea. I hope you’re doing well !