Like Me

Chap doesn’t get talked about much – whether because of his “middle child state” or because he is the quiet and reserved one. However, I love watching his mind work, and build trust in people and things. (Yes, things… he has been scared of a chip bag blowing in the wind in our driveway before… thinking it was out to get him!)

Like me, Chap doesn’t let people into his world very easily, and only a handful have tickets.

I wish many times that others could see his brightness, his insight, and his gentleness – that he would let others see in him what we see in him! Instead, he usually hides behind me avoiding conversation and eye contact with anyone: afterall, if he doesn’t look at them… they can’t see him, right?

Like me, Chap doesn’t like to see others hurt.

It is my desire to fix people when they are in pain and hurting. I hate seeing people suffer, and will do anything to make it go away. The problem is, that sometimes (actually, most of the time) I can’t fix it. But that usually doesn’t stop me from trying, or carrying the pain in my heart as well.

The other day, we arrived to school a bit early. We are usually the first to arrive, and the kids have the “run” of the area for a bit. As people begin to trickle in, Chap gets closer and closer to my side – many times ending up in my lap. However, this day was a bit different. A mom walked in with a crying infant (along with her preschooler, too). The mom sat down on the floor, and put the infant carrier on the floor next to her.

After a few seconds of the continued crying, Chap slipped out of my lap – never looking back, and just went to sit by the carrier. He still didn’t make eye contact with anyone, but for just a few moments, this quiet and reserved 2 year old stepped out of his comfort zone for a ‘hurting’ baby. He wanted to fix it. He didn’t like the suffering.

The moment was fleeting, as it came time to go into their classes. But my heart beamed with pride. I’m not even sure that any one else noticed (much to Chap’s liking), but I did. He didn’t have to say anything… he didn’t have to do anything… he just sat there… and the baby stopped crying.

Amy (my sister-in-law) came over tonight to help entertain Chap while I worked with Whit. What a sweet aunt to sit on the floor to entertain, distract, wrangle (Whit), play ball – and be 26 weeks pregnant! By the end of the evening, Amy’s lap was the hot seat – and mine was mush! Chap was sitting in her lap, reading a book. After a few minutes, Amy said, “Ooo, Chap – your little cousin is kicking you in the back!”

That made such an impression on me tonight. Chap, in his stillness once more… just sitting, leaning against Amy’s pregnant tummy… made a sweet little baby boy… a miracle… move around and kick (and claim his territory).