Okay. So the following just happened and I am still in shock. Quite the antithesis to the start of my day.
I am putting 11 yo to bed. Door is shut. 16 yo comes to door.
Okay, so far normal. But wait. Then he knocked and asked if he could come in?! Normally he just barges in, wakes up 11 yo and I get annoyed.
So the knock totally threw me! I sensed something was up (thank God Orange Rhino me was present so I focused on the good of the knock and not the negative of the interruption) and said, “Sure, come in.”
“Mom, I just wanted to say thank you for the new mattress and for getting the special sheets so I stay cool at night. Thanks for caring about me and making sure I sleep well.”
Whoa. I could have…should have…kept my mouth quiet and said you are welcome but I was so floored that I had to say, “You are most welcome and thank you for appreciating me. It means a lot. May I ask what prompted this?”
Teenager: “I don’t know, I just saw my bed and remembered how well I slept last night and realized I don’t say thank you enough or that I love you enough.”
Oh my word.
Still speechless. And yes, tears totally came to my eyes. There is a light at the end of the teenage tunnel folks. All of our children have the flicker inside of them – it grows especially strong when we see the good. If and when you read this 16yo, love you kiddo! And if and when you all read this, keep the faith! Keep Orange Rhino’ing on because it is worth it.
xoxo, Sheila
🧡 The Orange Rhino
