This Guy…

I had a Date Night with this guy last night, and it was much needed and much enjoyed.

It’s been tricky, maneuvering into these tween years.  And it seems that our son has had a head start, always seeming a bit older than his 9, almost 10 years of age.  These past few months, we’ve had our battles, him and I.  He being the strong-willed 9 year old and me, being the strong-willed mom who knows that at this age, she has to win most of the battles, because they are battles for his heart.  It’s been exhausting and tearful at times, but as I’ve gotten glimpses of our son, learning to work things out and really truly having a desire to do what’s right, I know that it’s all worth it in the end.

All that being said, last night, he and I took a much needed Date Night.  We’ve always been advocates for having Date Nights with our kids when we can.  Ellee’s dressed up fancy and walked out the door with her adoring Daddy for fun filled evenings, and Christian and I have enjoyed our share as well.  Let’s be honest.  Our lives are too busy.  And our kids’ lives are too busy at times too.  Too often, it’s more about getting everyone here or there, than it is about actually taking the time to check in and see how everyone’s actually doing.

So, when Christian had an eye doctor appointment last night, we realized it could also double as a nice date night for him and I.  Christian recently told me that he’s been having trouble seeing the board at school, so I made an appointment for him.  And it turns out that we will soon be adding another glasses wearer to our family.  Spoiler alert:  He’s going to look pretty handsome with his new glasses and is excited about getting them in a week.

Anyhow, before we left, Christian ran up to his room and came down with a huge smile on his face.  “I can’t tell you, Mom,” he told me with a glisten in his eyes, “But if you want, you can try to guess the surprise.”  Turns out, he grabbed all the money from his stash, a solid $7 and was going to treat me to dinner.  When I told him he didn’t need to do that, he proudly insisted, and it was such a healing for my heart.  Because words have flown lately, that have hurt.  I know they’ve come from our young son, whose figuring it out and struggling and learning, but it’s amazing, the power of words.  And whereas part of me tends to hold on to that hurt, it’s amazing how healing love and sacrifice can be.  How delightful it is to see our son take all him money and treat his mom to dinner.  It was a precious moment.

We ended up having a wonderful night.  We talked and laughed and caught up.  We shared stories and then laughed more.  And as I looked over at our son, who is almost eye level with me, I thanked God for him and for the time we had together.  We ended up combining money and ate at our favorite little restaurant.  And we came home, stronger and happier for having taken the time to spend with each other.

Date nights.  If you’re a parent, for any age, I highly recommend them.  It’s strengthening and healing and something that we should all take advantage of, in my humble opinion.