My Child of Three...

The other day I was running about the house doing this and that-- it seemed like I had made at least 30 trips up and down the stairs, and I just couldn't stop running! I climbed the stairs again with my arms loaded, but this time as I turned the corner at the top I saw my sweet Stetson waiting in front of my bedroom door holding a bouquet of white flowers that he had found in my craft box. I was about to sternly remind him that he's not supposed to be playing in that box when the following conversation ensued:

"Mom, pretend I'm going to marry you."

I, of course, drop everything in my hands and kneel down on the floor in front of him.

"Mom, pretend you're the mom and I'm the dad and I'm going to marry you in the temple."

"Okay, Stet..." choking up a little... he gives me the flowers and throws his arms around me, then gives me this look as if he's waiting for something. I apparently didn't get the hint so he had to run it by me one more time.

"Mom, pretend you're the mom, and I'm the dad, and we're getting married in the temple, and I kiss you on your lips." (This was the part that he had been waiting for) We replayed this scene over and over about 5 or 6 times.

It was the sweetest moment I've shared with anyone in a while.

It made me think of this poem that my mom wrote years ago when she was raising one of her many three year olds:

My Child of Three


I'm scrubbing (again) when he comes to me
and stands there grinning, breathlessly...
my Child of Three.
"Close your eyes!" he then commands.
Hidden behind, in play-stained hands
is something for me...
from my Child of Three.
His hair is tousled, out of place;
there are smudges on his sun-flushed face.
I obey... patiently...
my Child of Three.
"Open!" His laughing eyes are bright.
Dandelions! In a fist held tight,
and they're for me...
from my Child of Three.
Together we sort out leaf and grass,
arrange them in a plastic glass
and set them where all can see
the gift... from my Child of Three.

Oh, Weary Soul! Arise and sing!
Rejoice! It is no little thing
that God has so much love for Thee
He's given you a Child of Three.

--Pat Davis