I have a 6 year old boy who, this summer, graduated from frog to fish in his swim class. Often, he is an engineer, or a builder, or an army guy. Even Luke Skywalker. Or Anakin. But today...today he was a fish. We went swimming at the Aquatic Center for a break from the heat and the big girls ditched us for the Olympic Pool. This was a perfect opportunity to strike up a one on one conversation with my 6 year old son. They have a lot on their minds but don't always share. Boys aren't like girls that way. The conversation started something like this as we were washed up on shore and resting in the beach entry as "waves" bumped up against us:"Mom, you know I'm going to be grown up one day."
"I know. You are. Are you looking forward to that?"
"I don't know."
"What do you think will be great about being big?"
"I'll be able to swim good. And I could drive."
"Will driving be fun? Where will you drive to?"
"It'll be fun, especially cuz I can drive to Disneyland. I will be big so I can ride on Indiana Jones. And that other one that shoots straight up. I'll be 52 inches."
"Gosh, that is fun. Won't you be scared of shooting straight up."
"Probly. (Probably). (Laugh). I will be scared. But I won't know the way (to Disneyland)."
"Yes, but you'll be big enough to read and understand maps and directions. What else will you do when you're old?"
"I dunno. Work at the shop. But that won't be fun...that'll be boring." (reference: shop = Dad's business).
"But you can drive the forklift and you'll make money! What will you do with your money?"
"Buy lots of LEGO's."
At that, Nemo dives off into the water. A 6 year old boy's mission in life...attain more LEGO's and go swimming, LOTS.
I love 6 year olds. Their priorities are right where they should be. And just like Nemo's father, I'm going to have to find a way to let go when the time is right. For now, though, he's still happy at home in our little anemone, where I strive to keep him safe from harm and feel happy watching him blow bubbles and splash water as I continue to discover who Nemo is and will turn out to be.
Just keep swimming. Just keep swimming.
7 comments:
Oh, I love this post! Mostly because of the super cool photo! (Okay, sorry, but that is a good pic. I mean, look at the drop of water off his chin!!!!!) He is the sweetest kid. I love conversations like these with my kids.
IT'S COW BABY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
:)
What a great post. Very creative and well-written. I love little boys too. :)
I love any kid who's life ambition is to be able to drive to DL. Way to go Hayden! Great picture- giving your sister a run for her money I see!
He is seriously adorable. How special it must be to have a son. Loved this post. Major smiles throughout it. Nice job!
Summer, I TOOK THE PICTURE!
I LOVED this post. Double exclamation post. I wish I could remember and record so many of those kind of conversations--the kind that make you bubble up inside with gladness to be the mom of such a darling child. Miss you all. Miss Hayden.
Your house is GORGEOUS!!!! It's like a house out of Fine Living- classy, clean, and beautiful. I was drooling over your piano too (wow!). Congratulations on your new pad!
Hayden is so cool! What an engaging conversation. You have a good memory to capture his cute sayings. Isn't this stage with boys wonderful? They are independent but don't want to be too far away, and they are still full of innocence and sweet dreams. I can't wait to see what this darling boy does when he grows up-- besides drive to Disneyland!
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