A Little Gratitude

Since Little’s birthday is on Thanksgiving this year, I thought it would be a fun twist to interview him to get his now 3-year-old perspective on gratitude. I did, and here’s what he had to say…

Me: What are you grateful for…what’s something you love very much?
Little: Superheroes!

Me: Ooh, that’s a good one. What else are you grateful for?
Little: [silence]

Me: Your brother, your sister…?
Little: [silence]

Me: Anything else you’re glad you have in your life?
Little: Nah.

Ok, so it was a great idea in theory. I somehow imagined his 3-year-old words would paint the complex, beautiful picture of who he is at this very moment in time. But I should have known, while he talks up a storm (most of the time), he’s not really a boy of words, he’s a boy of facial and physical expressions. A boy of gentle kindness, far-from-gentle physicality and enthusiasm for the little things. A boy that even I can’t really put into words, but I’ll try. Because I’m so grateful each and every day that he is mine.

I’m filled with gratitude that the same boy who can’t get enough of superheroes, bad guys and light sabers also adores princesses (Green Lantern and Jasmine are his favorites at the moment). That he’ll tell anyone who asks that the cute blond tween down the street, his sweet little friend, his baby sister and his mom are beautiful. That he thinks his brother and his dad are better at football than any Pecker or Bieber.

I’m filled with gratitude that the same boy who still carries his blanket everywhere will jump from any play structure (or counter) without a second thought. That he still cries when I leave him at preschool, but doesn’t look back as he runs off with the big boys. That he wants to look nice when friends are coming for dinner, so he carefully dresses in a collared button down with his favorite track pants.

I’m filled with gratitude that he’s confident enough to tell me he’s not my baby, but sensitive enough to tell me he doesn’t have to be a big boy yet, he’ll be my little boy for just a bit longer. That he thinks everything from grapes on his plate at lunch to brand new bunk beds are “totally awesome!”, or at the very least, “cool!” That in his crazed running around the house, he’ll crash into one of us with a hug and a kiss.

I’m filled with gratitude that this tattoo/band-aid loving, skinny, scrappy little boy makes me laugh as much as his dad does. That he still thinks I’m the most important person in the world. That he is one of the most important people in my world.

I’m filled with gratitude that on Thanksgiving, I’ll have one very handsome little 3-year old to celebrate.

What will you be celebrating this Thanksgiving?