It's been a truly wonderful summer with my kiddos. Even so, the other day after breakfast and before my shower, I brewed myself a cup of coffee. The kids were amusing themselves, and I just wanted a moment (or two!) to enjoy my coffee outside, enjoying the sounds of the morning. In peace, by myself.
Of course, this is not exactly what happened. I tiptoed through the door and onto the front porch, and as I turned to close the door, Gabriel appeared.
"Whatcha doing, Mom?"
"Oh, I just wanted three minutes to sit here and drink my coffee..."
"With your son," he finished for me in a cheerful sing-song voice.
I sighed and smiled at the same time. Sighing because the few moments of peace would not be, smiling because summer was coming to an end, and there were only a few precious days left before the start of school. I could enjoy my coffee alone nearly every single day. For now, I would be enjoying it ...
"With my son", I confirmed.
We chit-chatted for a bit, and at some point we got around to talking about Gabriel's future wife.
"I'm going to find someone pretty who knows God," he said.
I told him that was a very smart thing to do, and to make sure she is kind as well.
"And funny, and smart."
He looked up at me with shining eyes.
"Just like you, Mommy."
Tears sprung to my eyes. I knew I would treasure this moment forever. Then he added two more words that would ensure I would indeed remember this.
"...except young."