My Eldest Son - Jacob
Of course most of the time I felt that whatever I said to them went in one ear and out the other. But I persevered and continued to tell them over and over phrases like:
"No, the kitty does not like to take his nap in the freezer"
"Please untie your brother from the ceiling fan"
"I do not care what your father told you I am the boss"
Ten or fifteen years go by, the boys have moved out and are on their own (except if you have a son named Kristopher then he has moved back in and your days of vacuuming naked are over).
Er. . where was I? Oh yeah, so there I am minding my own business and my oldest says to me - "Remember Mom when you used to tell me over and over again that a way to capture a girl's heart was to remember to put the toilet seat down. Always. "
"Why, yes Jacob, I do remember telling you something along those lines. " And then . . . my son says those three little words that every mother longs to hear from her child -
Whoo Hoo!!!! This is a two-fer - I was right AND his brain retained that information from years ago and was able to apply it in a real life situation! David and Kristopher had epiphanies this year as well and shared them with me. Basically the same thing - I was right and that their brains were able to use what I taught them over the years and apply to their life now.
My Youngest Son - Kristopher
That is the great and most wondrous gift I have ever received .
Thank you for this story, Sherri. I hope I will hear the same admission from my son someday! (and those are a great set of rules)
ReplyDeleteAh, you have your priorities straight. And the quotes are absolutely priceless.
ReplyDeleteSheri, You have not changed a bit!
ReplyDeleteLOL, I used to also tell my son the "instructions or operator manuals" bit. I used the military version. The USAF uses technical orders for instructions or operator manuals which also may include an interim service manual and may include an illustrated parts breakdown. So I told my son, he did not come with a TO.
Priceless, Sheri ... totally groovy Mamma Mia. Am forwarding to a fellow suffragette with 3 grown sons. Am contemplating how raising 3 girly daughters could be as triumphant, LOL.
ReplyDeleteIt is a gratifying moment when they say something that tells you they remember what you taught. I love your post. I have six children. They are all grown and we have fun remembering too.
ReplyDeleteAppreciate your post. It tugged at my heart and made me laugh.
Ah, there is hope. I just have to wait another 14 or 15 years. Hopefully, I (or he) will still be alive by then. :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the "Smiles!"
ReplyDeleteBill ;-)
http://drbilltellsancestorstories.blogspot.com/
Author of "13 Ways to Tell Your Ancestor Stories"