Bubba and the Shoe Laces

Today was one of those days. I woke up a bit late. My son and I were scurrying about, grabbing this, downing that, kissing the dog, when I had one of those moments.

Time stood still. My breath shallowed, and my eyes teared. My son was just bending down to tie his $75 gym shoes. He is now a size 10 1/2. A man. A boy. But he was still using the "Bunny Rabbit Method". Remember? I remember. He must have been 3 or 4years old...pretty young for tying, but he had an older brother by 18 months, my step-son, who I have raised. My precious, sweet, boy wanted to do it all, so one day while big brother was at school, I proceeded to teach him, the simplest way, just as I had taught his big brother a few months before. I sat him down. Big eyed and attentive. He watched as I "Loop de Loop"..."See?" "...then cross here and bring the Bunny's ear here right through his mouth!Now pull!" He would launch backwards giggling, and a squeal! "Do it again Mommy! Do it again!!"

After a few times, he began to try it for himself. We'd break and then he'd go back again. By the time brother came home, he was a pro. SO eager to share his accomplishment and poke his chest out, cuz now he was a big boy too!

Flash forward, he is now 12, but he still ties his shoes with the Bunny Rabbit ears! It was all I could do to not cry. My boy, my man...it's all so bittersweet!
I can only hang my head and be so thankful for every moment I remember to treasure and to love ~