“I’m going to visit Ms. Wendy this weekend,” I told him as we sat on his bed, straightening up his room a little.
And he looked at me, eyes wide and then downturned. “But I’m going to miss you!” he cried, tears instantly streaming down his face.
I hugged him tight reminding him that our time away would not be long.
“I know,” he interrupted, having already calculated the time. “It’s two days. But I’m going to miss you.”
“I’ll miss you, too,” I said and kissed his head.
And I felt grateful, so grateful for this little boy who lives with his heart wide open, who’s not afraid to show every emotion he’s feeling (regardless of whether or not I want to see every emotion he’s feeling).
And I’m grateful for his daddy who will watch three little ones without protest, knowing I need this time away, knowing how important it is to me.
And I’m grateful for a Nana and Pop Pop who will make one day pass quicker with Chick-Fil-A and cow costumes and sleeping bags.
I have so much for which to be grateful.
And today, I’m especially grateful for a friendship, a friendship which spans both joy and sorrow. A friendship which no distance can sever.
For what are you grateful? Linking up with the Gypsy Mama for her 5 Minute Friday before I head out for the weekend.
Jennifer Vignola Davis 
Beautiful! My two year old son doesn't have too many words right now, but I can just imagine him and I having this conversation and how my heart would be bursting! Found you on The Gypsy Mama.
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He did warm my heart. You have a lot to look forward to when your little one starts talking more! 🙂
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oh, what a great post, jennifer! we have so much, don't we?
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This is GREAT! One of the best fivers I've read all day!
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What a wonderful treat to go away and not worry knowing your children are well taken care of. Definitely something to be grateful for: loving family you can trust with your most precious treasure.
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Your son's sweet feelings remind me of my own. I am so grateful to have a boy who snuggles, to have a strong husband who is willing to flex and fix and grow with me, and to have a spunky daughter who doesn't let her big brother or two rambunctious puppies push her down for long.
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I'm still praying for Wendy & Quinn.
God's grace, peace, and joy be with you during your visit.
Christa
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Thank you for your prayers. We had a wonderful visit!
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You're a good friend and a compassionate heart. May God bless Wendy and use you to comfort her.
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I have one of those tender-hearted boys, too. Brad and the two kids were in MN for 9 days without me — Noah cried more than once when we talked on the phone at night.
But still, it's good for you to get away. And good for you to see Wendy, who needs you so much. I am still praying for her and Quinn, too. I hope you had a good trip. I know it must have been hard…but I hope there were good moments, too.
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It was actually a great trip, Michelle. I think I needed the time away just as much as Wendy might have wanted a friend near. She is strong and courageous and full of faith, and it was nice to visit with my dear friend.Thank you for your prayers and friendship!
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