Monday, September 30, 2013
I Got The Moon
I treasure this photo of my four babes, it's so hard to believe they are all teenager's now!
All have grown, and three have matured - only my Sweet Sam is still as innocent as on the day this was first shot. Yet he has grown, and so have I.
We are both in a much better place than in way back then.
Last night, having tucked my brood up, I locked the house up tight and propped up by a multitude of pillows, settled into bed with my trusty book.
All stayed quiet for the best part of an hour.
Until.
A clang and a commotion came rattling from the garage.
Did I mention our house is in a pretty isolated spot? My husband works from the UK mainland every other week? My dog never barks, and loves strangers (possibly burglars)?
And yup, this week I'm the only growdie-up at home?
Shit.
Seeing no need to rush to my doom, I don my fluffy slippers and robe, go for a quick pee (wouldn't do to wet myself in the face of being slaughtered), and tip-toe down to the kitchen for the carving knife.
The garage has a door leading directly into the house, one I lock up every night. Whoever had been in there had obviously found their way through it, as I could hear them clattering about inside the hallway now.
Okay, enough is enough - time to stop the buggers where they stand, it's time for my (silent, hesitant) chaaaaaaaaaarge!
"Oh, hello Mum."
"Sam??"
"Can you help me get the ladder out?"
"What the- what are you doing??"
He's struggling to lug the step-ladder round the passage and out again through the back door.
"I want to climb up to the moon."
"What?"
"I want to go up and hug the moon."
I can't help but to laugh.
"Sweetie, I think we'll need a longer ladder for that."
"No we don't. Come see."
His face is lit up almost as bright as the cloudless night. Excitedly, he pulls me outside, and as I stand there gazing up through his eyes, I almost grasp what he sees. Sure enough, it's certainly got to be well worth a try.
Besides, aren't we here now?
So we prop the ladder against the house, me standing sentry behind, as he climbs up, one wobbly step at a time. I can hear him giggle as he reaches the top - his arms reach up and spread (my heart in my mouth) - as he turns, pure joy in his eye.
"Look, I got the moon!"
And laughing, suddenly I'm blinded by tears.
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139 comments:
I can see why you treasure this photo - and as for Sam, why he's brilliant to figure out a way to reach the moon!
That is so sweet!
Welling up, I can feel it. Thanks for sharing that.
Okay now I'm wiping away tears from this beautiful story...I love your stories about your children...love that picture of them in their early years...but specially love your Sam stories...I'm so happy you played along..oh the joy in my heart as I read "Look, I got the moon." Thank you for the reminder to enjoy all the simple moments in my day. So thankful I had this moment to stop by and say hello. XX
PS So thankful it was Sam and not a burgler!
Last time I tried to grab the moon, (a) it wasn't celestial and (b) I got slapped.
I like your story better ;-)
Sam is a lucky lad. He has the heart and imagination to climb to the moon..and the loving Mum to help him. Keep reaching up, Sam! Loved this story, Shrink.
OH Dear! First, let me say. I am a guy. I am rough and tumble. But, the photo melted me right off the bat. Then the story elicited a few chuckles, and then reduced me to gritting my teeth as my eyes filled. Quite wonderful. And now, I must pause to blow my nose, and regain my composure. What a sweet guy Sam is. He gave you a moment to treasure.
made me weep
Kids are so innocent.
That is an awesome story... sometimes great things happen by surprise.
Much nicer ending than the one I was imagining, even with the tears. Sure beats confronting a thief or rabid, wild varmint.
This story touched me so sweetly.
You forgot the part about falling asleep and forgetting to chat with me. (shove)
this is a pure gem of a post...my eyes are wet too...
sigh!
luv saz x
awesome post!
Enjoy having them all in the same nest. Only one of mine is home full-time now and I slept much better when they all were...
What a sweet ending to your story. My heart swelled when your boy caught the moon.
Hugs,
Debbie
Bumped in here from Grayquill's. This small slice from your life.. the innocence.. was so touching. It is 6:00am here (I am in kolkata India). And this was a lovely way to start my day. Thanks! :)
...and heaven too.
Oh, that is so very sweet.
Even though you mentioned this in a comment on my blog (that got deleted in the Google crash btw) this made me cry. And smile. Sometimes it's a good thing that people don't lose their innocence because in a way, they give it back to us with a bright red bow. Hugs to you from Montreal. You're a great mom, I can tell.
Believe him. In his heart he does.
Clearly I am having an emotional day cause this made me all teary. I kinda want to go get my ladder out now. =)
Gorgeous Sam! I LOVE that he hugged the moon and that you helped him! This has, of course, got me weeping like a maggot but in a happy way. From my experience (see those bags under my eyes!), kids with autism are the most pure and honest people you could ever meet. There's no nicky nicky nah nah or fingers up to the world. They may have the strongest own agendas imaginable and keep us on our toes, but they make us see the world in ways that no one else would have imagined! xxxxxxx
How lovely - poignant too Dxx
Ms. A, that is so true!
and... I love this photo because the kids are painting!
Oh Chewy (blush), I can't believe I stood you up on SKYPE! My bad, I'm an old woman, this different time zone lark plays havoc on my beauty sleep.. what can I say?
Well, "sorry", naturally.. (giggle)
Hi Saz, ha, it was a sweet moment (smile).
Cheers Portia, thanks for that.
Hi Debbie, I hear ya', tho' it's hard to imagine my nest ever being empty!
Hey Choco, how lovely to see you, thank you for stopping by - I am so glad you enjoyed your visit!
Jeaux, yes, I believe you may well be right..
Thanks Secret Agent, I thought it was too (grin).
365, what a positively lovely comment to leave, thanks for making my day! (x)
Hey there Dan, long time no see, my friend.. so great to hear from you again. Yes, Sam's heart contains many things, mostly all of them good.
Stephanie, (shouting through a loudspeaker)you come on down off that roof, RIGHT NOW!!
Hey there Kristina, oh I am so glad to see you in here (hugs).. yeah, for all the drama and worry they can unintentionally put us through, sweet moments like these are priceless, aren't they? Our kids are as innocent and pure as the day is long!
Hi Denise, I went to sleep with a smile still on my lips!
Yeah Chewy, not only that, but Sam joined in too (grin)!
awww...that is adorable...big smiles. they do grow up fast....
True Brian, Sam towers above me now!
My heart swelled reading this, too, picturing him hugging the moon. What a sweet mom you are helping him to do it - I could feel the joy through your words! Thank you!
I love love loved this. And saved it 'unread' so I could come back and leave a comment... only to find the post had disappeared.
What a beautiful heart your son has.
And he made me smile.
Barbara, there are times my Sweet Sam drives me utterly demented, and then there are these times, when I realise how blessed I am to have been given him!
Hi Ami, oh gosh yes, blogger swallowed us all up whole there, for a bit - didn't it? Whew, talk about stressed? I almost had a heart attack! Thank goodness (almost) normal service has been resumed - albeit missing huge chunks of comments..
Yes, one thing I do know - Sweet Sam has a heart almost as big as that moon he so desires (grin).
you are right,
kids are forever babies to their mother.
bless your grown kids, they look fabulous in the photo shots.
how are you?
check out short story slam and make a submission today.
One of the remember forever moments. Lovely story. Sam is wonderful. and you too.
Hello Bluebell, thanks for stopping by, welcome aboard! I must pop over to your site to check that out, it sounds intriguing..
Oh Technobabe, it truly was exactly that - grin. ((x))
I'm blinded by tears too....
That is sweeter than sweet. You are the best mom ever! I like you and Sam at this moment more than my feeble words can express. You are the kind of mom that raises amazing wonderful human beings. I am so impressed. Good job.
BTW - what's a Growdie? - that was a good one.
Ah Scott, I always knew you were a big softie (grin)!
Sheesh GQ, knock it off, my face is burning (eeeek)!! Guess you had to be there, it would've taken a heart of stone to turn him down. "Growdie-up"? Shrinky-speak for grownup/adult (wink) x
Awwww...
Shrinky, that was so cool.
Thanks for stopping by...Galen
What a wonderful ending. Sam is a very special guy. Glad you got to share the moment with him.
xoxo jj
Shrinky, not the ending I expected, I have to say the best moment in your life shared here - I think I am going to cry now. Same is sweet. Thanks for sharing. Love the first photo, it is worth enlarging and framing (what do you think?). Anna :)
Hey Galen, cool? Yeah, you bet! (Grin)
Hi JJ, yeah, I think I'll keep him (wink)..
Hello Anna, actually I have framed this photo (smile), it takes pride of place in my sitting room (much to my children's discomfort)..!
Come on now you almost made a grown man cry here.
That brought tears to my eyes! Cherish that memory - lock it away in your heart and save it for a rainy day.
That's magnificent. It put some moisture in my eyes, as well. God bless you both!
That is just precious. I miss my little boy. He's 16 now. Makes me sad. Glad your guy is still a lil sweetie!
precious!
Imagination is more important than knowledge.
Knowledge is limited to all we know, and understand.
Imagination embraces the entire world...
and all there ever will be...
to know, and understand.
~Albert Einstein
You know how we have no favourites, yet we all have a special place in our hearts for Sam - you DO know that, Shrinky.
Well here's the deal. Sam was just putting into action the one thing we all want to do.
Bless him.
As always.
Snap out of it SJ, stiff upper lip, man (giggle)!!
Nancy, it's a moment to keep, yes (smile).
Suldog, Sam sure does have his moments, that's for sure..
Cocotte, it's always a mixed blessing when they move into adolecence, isn't it? (Smile)
Laughingwolf, what a beautiful quotation, thank you for that, it is so true!
Hey there David, so great to see you back in here! You are so right on that, the difference between Sam and most of us, is he never worries about how others might see him - he just goes on out there and follows his heart!
I'm not surprised in the least - if anyone can catch the moon, it would have to be Sam. Could you ask him to send me a wee small piece to hang on my keychain?
A lovely thought to at least try to hold onto that full moon.Thanks for stopping by.
Steve
So beautiful. That's what I love about children - they see the world through magic eyes.
Hi Shrinky
How nice to be here and reading this oh so very touching post!
Loved it!
And such a gorgeous picture of your children!
How quickly they grow up!
Thank you so much for your visit and kind words and also for following me.
I'm happy to be following you as well.
Wishing you a lovely day!
Margie :)
I sharing this one on FB. We all could use some of that wonder of the world around us. I imagine that Sam gives many subtle gifts to those around him all the time. Thanks for sharing this one.
LES!! Hey everybody, she's baaaaaack (big cheesy grin).. where have you been hiding yourself, girl? Seeing as how it's you, I'll ask Sam nicely if we can Fed-Ex a sliver over to you, how's that?
ha, Steve, it wasn't even a FULL moon, just bright and clear. This lad of mine sure has a way of seeing things most of us wouldn't ever notice (shrug).
Hi Talon, Sam will be 18 in a matter of weeks, perhaps no longer a "child" in the eyes of the world, but he will always have an innocent heart (smile).
Hello Margie, welcome aboard, so nice of you to pop over here - and thank you for the lovely words. I look forward to visiting with you more often!
Oh Lisleman, I don't do FB, but I'm delighted at the thought of you putting this up there, what a generous gesture - that's truly made my day - thank you!
This is such a sweet story...! Lovely, in every way, except when you thought it might be a burgler...(lol). Sam is just about as dear as they come, isn't he? Thanks for yur visit and and very sweet comment.
Oh, he certainly near gave me a heart-attack that night, clanging about as he did. He NEVER wanders about in the dead of night, not usually (grin). Thanks for stopping by, I am so glad to have tripped over you!
Oh, that was so sweet!
You're a lovely mother, aren't you?
Pearl
Oh Pearl, there are many times I feel my shortcomings, I so often fall short of what he deserves, but when times like this come around, it puts everything into perspective!
Tell Sam to hold onto the moon for as long as he can!
Maybe he'll tell us if it's really made of green cheese.....
Well Shrinky dear.. you and I have exchanged warm words in email recently and I told you then how I loved this post but I see that I was remiss in saying so here on your blog. It's a beautiful, inspiring, tender post. More touching than I can express. I thank you for sharing your beautiful, Sweet Sam's adventure.
Your post today inspired me - gave you a shout-out thanks
What a sweet post. I loved it.
And I love that photo.
Hi Shammickite, how nice to see you in here (grin), well, his grin certainly looked cheesy enough..!
Oh Hilary,that has really touched me, what a lovely thing to say - thank you, my friend, that really means a lot (see my happy face?)!
Hello WW, aww, I am glad you liked the photo, as I say, it's very special to me!
Lisleman, oh my goodness, what a deliciously wonderful surprise to wake up to this morning - oooooooh, I am proper tickled, so I am! Thank you so much bonny lad, you've made my day!
Oh I am so glad he grabbed the moon and you grabbed a lifetime of memories!! Wonderful story!
Congrats on your POTW
Hugs
SueAnn
Hey SueAnn, so great to see you in here, and thank you for the congrats, I am bowled over to be awarded such an honour!
What a lovely post. I'm visiting on Lisleman's recommendation, and I'm so glad I clicked over.
Have you read "Papa, Get the Moon for Me?" by Eric Carle? It's one of my (much younger) son's favorites, and you'll probably enjoy it, too, after your little adventure.
Hi Jene, oh that Lisleman is such a sweetie, isn't he? No, I have never heard of that book, thanks for letting me know about it, I am going to make a point of finding it now (grin)!
One more thing that I'd like to mention. Each time I've been back to this post (which is often, because it was the post you thought you had lost when Blogger had its hissy fit) I'm struck by the photo. It's a nice one for sure but what strikes me is that it's not the one that I keep imagining accompanies the post.
In my mind's eye, there's a very clear image of Sweet Sam, up on a ladder, hugging the moon. That's how vividly you described this Sweet Story. And that's also magic.
So sweet! Congrats on your POTW too!
Sweet .. and reminds me of the children's story which right now my brain refuses to attach a title to... congrats on POTW
wow, wow...love the photo, your telling of this event, your son sam (i have a Sam too, one of four sons i've raised who are all adults now)...just a wonderful post...thanks for your visit.
love the name of your blog.
you are a wonderful Mom
hell, a wonderful human to be able to see how important it was and to participate so openly
your children are so lucky
congrats on POTW
I loved this. What a beautiful post. Congrats on your POTW ~
Oh my that is adorable. A moon catcher, love it! And what a great Mum you are. Thanks for visiting my blog by the way. I will be back.
such a sweet dear moment between a mum and her forever innocent manchild.
i loved this post.
Like Hilary, I, too, have a very clear mental image of Sam on top of the ladder hugging the moon. You paint a lovely word picture with your writing. Sam is a lucky boy to have you for a mama.
Oh, how sweet was that. I guess we forget those tender moments in the midst of teenage years. So enjoyed reading this.
I'm going out to get the moon.
Such a wonderfully joyful and tender moment. Thank goodness for kids who show us the beauty of life around us.
Dearest Hilary, I am quite overwhelmed by the response this little post has received, all these kind and warm comments have completely floored me. If ever I questioned why I blog, I casn find the answer in here. It's people such as you who empitamise the best in our close community - you give so generously, not only of your time, but also of your support, encouragement and empathy. Thank you for making this place so much richer for your presence!
Hi Betty, aw, cheers for that!
Hi Daryl, if it comes to mind, please will you let me know?
Hello Sandy, oh my, FOUR BOYS? 'Tis a wonder you are still sane (giggle) - thank you for such kind words, I am so pleased we've been introduced via Hilary, I look forward to getting to know you better..!
Eeee Dianne, leave it out, you've got me all embarrassed now - sheesh! (Turning pink with pleasure..)
Hi Lilly, oh what a perfect phrase - a moon-catcher - yes, I love it!
Ah Foam, you have summed Sweet Sam up to a "T", he doesn't have one bad bone in his body (smile).
Hello Linda, it's so lovely to see you in here, thanks for popping by - ahh, it WAS a sweet moment, all the more for the unexpectedness!
Hi Midlife Jobhunter, good luck with the catching of it (wink)!
ladyfi, Sam sees things in his own unique way, sometimes the world can be quite a scary place to him, other times, like this, it can be such a wonderful place.
I'm so glad that this is the post that was up when I first checked out your blog. :) This is a beautiful piece. What's more special than a moment like that?
I've read back a few more posts and I really enjoy what I'm reading.
Hey there lladybug, where did you fly in from? I love ladybugs (smile), so I'm very pleased to see you in here! Ahhh, yes Sam. I think he's a keeper - wink.
Looks like you found where I flew in from :) but I think the referring link was actually "Judge Whiskey"'s blog.
Ladybugs are a childhood favorite :)
I'll be stopping by again, I'm sure.
This was brilliant, just brilliant - a lovely story simply told. i will tell you without embarrassment that my eyes are damp.
My children drive me insane, not constantly, but daily all the same. And, you know, I figured before they were born that I would love them. Yet I was unprepared for just how inadequate the mere word is.
I had no idea I would, or even could, love another human being as I love them. Perhaps my wife, but even that is different. That is my choice.
But God chooses our children for us. Truly, they are a gift.
Belated congratulations on your potw. This post made my day.
Well! I thought the photo couldn't be beaten--gorgeous, but then you tell that sweet sweet story!!
I'm glad that you stopped to visit the toilet on the way to confront the possibly burglar, it gave you more time to enjoy that precious moment :-)
Ah, so that's how you found me, thanks lladybug! I look forward visiting with you more (smile).
Oh Cricket - gee, I wish you could see the big, wide cheesy grin you've planted on my face right now! Thank you my friend, that was such a beautiful comment to leave. I know EXACTLY what you mean about kids having perfected the art of how to drive their parents demented - it's a wonder we survive shepherding them through into adulthood at all! Yet for all that, we still wouldn't be without them!
Great to see you back in here again, imbeingheldhostage - haha, yeah, I guess you have a valid point there (grin)..
That is just so beautiful - and you will treasure that memory forever no doubt - funny to think of you ar your Craggy Island - as I may have mentioned thats what we called our place - on a flood plain because occasionally it is an island
Ha, what a funny coincidence Therese! I call it Craggy Island because where we are situated is midway between Ireland and England, just as "Craggy Island " in the fictional comedy "Father Ted" was - and there are loads of similarities to that place and here (grin)!
The story is absolutely wonderful . . . I'm a little misty-eyed at the moment.
Please tell me, though – where do you find the time to respond to every single person who comments on your blog?
Hi Dee, oh I am staggered at the response this post has drawn, this is NOT the norm insofar as the amount of visitors I usually receive, please believe me! That said, I had to quit work when Sam was young, and must be free to ferry him about when he goes to his life skills course, or to any social group, and Sam can never be left alone at home .. so this blog is my social life, it's proved quite a life-line at times!
Sweet Sam - you named him well. x
I guess I did at that, Akelamalu (smile)..
oh, yes. Really sweet. I visualize you two up there, gazing.
That is utterly beautiful, Shrinky. Sam's is a deeper wisdom and you are quite a mother to recognize it. Your souls must have been brought together by the same kind of logic that allows a small ladder to reach the moon.
Hi Chrissie, Sam opens my eyes to wonders I could never see on my own.
Hey San, how brilliant to see you back my friend. Sam has taught me so much along the way, and I've not always been that willing a pupil - but one thing about my Sam is he NEVER gives up on me!
Sweet Sam--no, SWEETEST Sam--indeed. He has beauty in his heart, like his mother.
Hello dear Margaret, I rather doubt Sam inherited any of that beauty from me, although I'm touched you suggest it (smile). No, he is strictly a one off, this boy!
What a great and moving story...
Really bittersweet!
The innocence.. The moment captured.. The storyteller.. Touching... Thanks for sharing
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