Well, today...the kid comes home with another "packet" showcasing the work that he's done. He's always very excited to explain what it is he's created and how the finished products came to be. Most times, I listen to the descriptions of the creations; making a mental note of the specific ones (if any) we will keep. And when the kid is not looking (usually when he's gone to bed) I'll throw away those creations that are not so easy to recognize and are duplicates of things that we already have.
Notice I said “when the kid is gone to bed” I’ll throw things away…
Well…”smart” me, decided to throw away something and leave it at the top of the trash…easily recognizable for the kid! Who knew that he would go to throw something away and “research” what was in there?
The kid (in a very sad, disappointed voice): Mommy! You threw my heart away?
Me (shocked and not quite sure how to respond): Huh?
The kid (walking towards me…looking pitiful): You threw my heart in the trash?!
Me (too shame to look him in the eye): I did?
The kid: Come here…let me show you.
Me (reluctantly walking with him to the trash): Ok
The kid (opening the trash and pointing to the heart): See…it’s right there!
Me (Thinking of a lie while feeling my nose grow): Oh Joseph, I didn’t mean to throw it away, I was trying to throw away that jump rope package and the heart went in the trash on accident.
The kid (looking at me like I could have come up with a better story): Ok, GET.IT.OUT!
Me (repenting for the lie and trying to make a mends): I sure am going to take it out of the trash and as a matter of fact, I am going to put it on the refrigerator…Mommy is so sorry.
The kid: Ok (and walks off)
I feel horrible! From now on…instinct tells me…he’s going to be “watching the trash” for other items that Mommy has “accidentally” thrown away.
(sigh)
Praying that he’s really found it in his “heart” to forgive me…note said heart below (on the refrigerator):
