Mother Guilt, Part 2

Last month in my blog “Mother Guilt”, I worried that my youngest son Evan might not remember all the good times we’ve had; playing Candyland on the floor, reading books together and building castles out of blocks, but instead might only have memories of me yelling at him and sending him to his room. After all, it’s a human flaw that we remember our injuries much more clearly than our victories, the bad over the good, the insult over the compliment. It’s impossible to know what a person will hold onto and carry in his heart.

Cut to this morning. Evan came running into my bedroom, his underwear backwards and on the OUTSIDE of his pants (I don’t even ask anymore), and he says he has a great idea.

Evan: I know, Mommy! I’ll pretend I’m YOU, and you pretend you’re ME, okay?

Hmmmm….I thought, this is a great way to see how he views me, plus I’m always up for a good game of make believe.

Me: Okay. Starting now, you are Mommy.

Evan: (in high squeaky voice) Hello my precious boy!

Me: sigh…

Evan: I’m going to make you lunch. What would you like?

Me: Hmmm… how about cookies and cake?

Evan: No honey, that’s not good for you. But I’ll make you a peanut butter sandwich.

Me: Thank you Mommy

Evan: What nice manners you have! You’re going to get a sticker on your chart! And after your lunch you can have ice cream.

Me: Can I have a big huge chocolate ice cream with chocolate sauce?

Evan: No – that will make you too hyper. Then he thinks for a minute. Wait! I changed my mind. You CAN have chocolate! It’s good for you!”

He hands me a toy.

Evan: I bought this present for you today!

Me: Oh boy! Why do I get a present?

Evan: Because you’re my precious boy and I love you soooo much.

* sigh*

Mother guilt…alleviated. At least for today.