As some of you know, Kevin and I have primary custody of his children. Their mom’s home was not a good place for them to be. While Kevin was running the other kids around this afternoon, Austin was home alone with me. He made a statement that just crushed my heart for him.
We were talking about how he is a man at 18 and he will then be responsible for his own decisions.
Austin: Wow! I will be 18 in 5 years!! Actually, it is like 4 years.
Beth: Yep. It’ll be here before ya know it, son.
Austin: Mom. When I turn 18, if I don’t have enough money for an apartment, will you still keep me?
Beth: (Thankful, Austin was in the living room and couldn’t see the tears well up in her eyes) Absolutely baby!! You don’t have to leave here until you can. Dad and I won’t send you out on the street. You can move out when you are ready and capable.
Austin: Oh. Okay. Just asking.
Beth: Yeah son. Lauren doesn’t plan to move out until she is 21.
Austin: I doubt that. She will be married by the time she is 19. (Sadly I agree with him)
Beth: Well, I never want you to think you have to move out. This is your home and you can stay as long as you need to. I mean come on. (giggling) Matthew will never move out.
Austin: Good point.
March 10, 2008 at 4:59 pm
Oh man! That is a heartbreaking conversation for sure. You are very good to him, and hopefully he will realize that some moms give unconditional love.
March 10, 2008 at 5:14 pm
Awwwwwwwwwwwwwww send over the tissues. What a heart melting moment!
March 10, 2008 at 5:30 pm
Wow. That would be heartbreaking to hear. I am glad you talked him through that thought though. Sounds like you did a beautiful job handling that fear.
March 11, 2008 at 3:56 am
I should have read this BEFORE putting on make-up. YOu handles that with such grace. I applaud you. Jonathan told me the other day that he doesn’t like my cooking so he’s hitting the road. Ha!
March 11, 2008 at 10:52 am
That is great that he could get that reassurance from you. What a sweet moment!
March 12, 2008 at 11:20 pm
Hiya, friend! I missed you! (Sorry, I fell off the face of the earth for a whole week!)
This is just the kind of post I needed to get me going! I love the way you love all your children; it truly is an inspiration.
Ina world where everyone is in a hurry- to grow, to move, to be independent- it is heartwarming to read of a mother who welcomes her heart and home for as long as a child needs her. God bless you, Beth!