sometimes i say i don't want love, but i really do. that's when i need extra hugs and love.
- scout benjamin, 4 1/2 yrs.
my girlfriend jen {who has recently started a photography business}
snapped this photo when she was visiting a month or so ago.
i loved that it was taken without us even knowing.
we were at balboa park, it was the end of our day.
it seemed appropriate to post because this little guy has been on my mind,
as he's been a little out of sorts for the last two weeks.
he's been extra sensitive - crying when he loses a game or a foot race,
or grumpy and telling us all we are "mean to him".
this isn't typical behavior for him.
c and i talked about it and we think it might be because of
all the transitions in his life right now.
he graduated preschool, then his beloved teacher he's had all year,
took maternity leave and a new teacher is finishing out the year,
and he's heard a lot of talk about kindergarten which he will be
starting this fall which means a new teacher and new classmates.
this is alot for anyone - much less an young boy.
the quote came as i was putting him to bed the other night.
he announced that he "couldn't have a song or a backrub because
he had been mean and grumpy."
withholding love or skipping our bedtime ritual isn't something
i would ever do when the boys misbehave. he knows this.
i replied "are you sure scout, you know how much i love to
sing to you and rub your back."
his reply:
sometimes i say i don't want love, but i really do.
that's when i need extra hugs and love.
i made sure he got lots of love that night.
later, as i shared with c what took place, i couldn't help but think,
if only adults could be so self aware and so brave.
to ask for what we need, instead of being afraid and
working so hard at not exposing our innermost feelings.
there isn't a day that goes by that my children don't teach me something.
{it might be as simple as noticing a sunset, a picture in a book or how to use my kindle fire}
that night, scoutie reminded me it's ok to ask for what you need.
