I wish you all could meet and know LMG.
Especially on a day like today.
I made a promise to myself and to his Mom, who actually wouldn't mind photos, that I wouldn't post any here.
The internet is so open and kids become searchable at such a young age.
So.
I found a "mock LMG".
I need you to know how stinkin' cute this kiddo was today and is always.
Fluffier hair.
Same dimples and nose.
Same smile, minus 2 teeth.
Pretty Good Doppleganger.
I picked him up from school today and did his 2nd grade homework with me. Reading for 30 minutes was my absolute fav. We're reading the BFG :).
After we hung out for a little we headed to the grocery store to pick up some milk for LMG's mom. I also needed a gallon.
Between that and some thank you notes - thanks GOODness I had LMG to carry one gallon...like a baby...down every aisle. ADORABLE.
Down the dairy aisle, I heard my name and wheeled around to find one of my co-workers from the store when I was in high school. He asked if LMG was mine...I wish, I said! I also laughed because I was thinking, do you really think I'm the kind of girl who would have a child at 21? Nope.
I remember we had a very flirtatious moment in the dairy freezer when I was a senior in HS and he was always willing to help.
OFF TRACK.
I have psoriasis.
We all know it.
And it is what it is.
As the air gets cooler during the winter, my arms look worse.
But.
Thank the lord, they don't itch or burn or anything - they just look different.
I'm traditionally unfazed by the staring.
It happens.
If my students or kids ask, "What's wrong with your arms?"
I usually ask them, "What's wrong with your arms?"
"Nothing."
"That's right, and there is nothing wrong with mine.
It's just how you were born.
Me too."
Simple enough.
We were standing in line to check out our three items, and LMG put the bar down for me.
Then, I felt his hand on my arm.
I tilted my head towards him and smiled.
Then, he started to pat and rub my arm.
I turned again and smiled.
That's when I saw the older man, too.
He was staring at my arms as though if he got to close it might be catching.
Meh.
But LMG, oh LMG.
Was staring that MAN down.
With a hand on my arm, I watched his eyes focus on the man.
I felt his transfer of love.
He never has to tell me cares about me or thinks I'm cool.
I felt it in his transfer of love.
I held it together in the store.
In the car, I LOST IT.
"I think," LMG started as soon as he was belted, "Some people miss a lot of beautiful things because they aren't looking."
I put my elbow on the window sill, turned the radio on, covered my face and sobbed - silently.
"LMG," I managed, "You my friend, never, ever have to worry about that. You see it all."
Then he asked for
Moves Like Jagger. And I obliged, still wiping tears.
Jayne...I love your children. NO. YOUR FAMILY! You raise incredible kids.
