Last night as I went up the stairs for bed, I heard sleeping sounds coming from my son’s “buzz room”.
There was deep breathing and even a bit of snoring.
I stopped and stood in his doorway.
I stood still.
He was sound asleep, with his stuffed Elmo laying right beside him.
He’s all about Elmo these days.
Most days he’s convinced that he IS Elmo.
There’s no convincing him otherwise.
He’s a playful, imaginative little boy.
As I stood in his doorway, taking in the sight of this little boy, I was struck by the overwhelming need to be still and cherish this time with him.
I stood still.
So much of my day is filled with busyness. I’m focused on accomplishing, on doing, on teaching, on cleaning, on cooking, on getting through.
I’m not focused on cherishing, on holding on to these days, these moments that are oh, so fleeting.
I’m not focused on being still.
I quietly entered my little boy’s room and sat beside him on the bed.
I held my breath as he stirred and then settled back into sleep.
I sat still.
I sat on the bed by him, my hand on his back, quietly taking in this time.
My little boy is going to grow up.
A year from now, he won’t be so focused on Elmo.
He’ll be on to other things and so will I.
And without the stillness of last night, I would have missed the preciousness of this fleeting time.
This post is linked to Five Minute Friday hosted at (in)Courage today.
Nicol from LOV says
Hi Monica! My! does your little boy have your smile!!! Yes, they DO grow up all too quick and it gets more difficult to see them still- even sleeping! Keep that Elmo- you will remember the stillness of last night. Visiting from 5MinFridays- have a great day!
Monica says
Thank you, Nicol! I think I will keep Elmo as a reminder of these days. Thank you for visiting!!