I Hope You Know

The day was an absolutely, positively good day.  

We had gone to Stone Mountain, and the boys got to experience their first train ride.  We made perfect timing in everything we did.  Every line was short; every event went off without a hitch.  

We couldn't have been happier.

That very night when we were putting the boys to bed, we talked about our day.  We asked them to name their favorite part, and of course, they loved the "choo choo."  

It was then that Jody looked at me and jokingly said, "They probably won't even remember it tomorrow."  

I smiled with the understanding that while they are excited now and will remember it for a short time, they're still young; and this day, though it was wonderful, probably won't make it into their own special memory bank of time.

I'll remember it though.  

Later that night, when the boys were fast asleep and Jody and I were nearly passed out on the couch from the day's events, I began to think about what he had said.  

What will the boys remember when they are grown?   And if they can't remember everything, then what do I want them to know?

So, boys, as you continue to grow strong, and independent, and full of potential, there are somethings that I would like for you to carry in your heart.  

*I hope you know that you and your brother are a handful, and it's one of your greatest assets.

*I hope you know that you have an above average singing voice for a two-year-old.  Your daddy and I could listen to you sing all day, even if we can't quite understand all of the lyrics.

*I hope you know that I dream about your future, and in my heart, it's filled with only the greatest of things.

*I hope you know that the sound of you banging on the bathroom door and calling my name has always put a smile on my face.

*I hope you know that you are always so polite to employees who check us out at any kind of register.  Your, bye--see ya next time's not only make other people's day, but they give me peace knowing that you have kindness in your heart.

*I hope you know that when Daddy told me that somebody colored on the train track with a crayon, I knew was you.  I also secretly giggled.    

*I hope you know that you wake up with the sun and immediately start talking as if you haven't been at rest for the past 11 hours.  You get that from your daddy.

*I hope you know that you struggle to open your eyes in the morning, and when you do, you say, "Noooooooo.  Turn off light and go night night."  You get that from your mommy.  

*I hope you know that sometimes you can be a little stinker, but that's also apart of your charm.

*I hope you know that one of my favorite things to do is listen to you carry on imaginary phone conversations.  The people on the other end of that line sure are lucky. 

*I hope you know that you make me feel like a million bucks when you tell me that I look pretty wearing my snowflake pajama pants.  I hope you know you should tell your future wife that, too.  

*I hope you know that I've never met another two-year-old who likes to color as much as you.  I've also never met a two-year-old who is as demanding and specific about coloring as you.  "Color right there, Mommy," you say.  "No Mommy, right there," as you hover over my hand and breathe on my fingers.  I hope you know that one day I'll miss that, too.

*I hope you know that though you love your brother, my goodness, you've had your share of fights.  You prefer to bite, while you prefer to scratch like a wildcat.  Dynamic Duo.      

*I hope you know that you've got a good arm, kid.  Although your daddy and I patiently explain to you that it's not okay to say, throw an object at someone's head or the TV, we are optimistic about your future sports potential.  

*I hope you know that you're becoming fiercely independent.  "By me self, me self," you say.

*I hope you know that everything your daddy and I do, is for the good of you.  

*I hope you know that you are my heart.

You might not remember everything boys, but I do know that your experiences now will help to shape you into the person that you will become.  And in that way, maybe you really will remember everything after all.