Nothing Says Love Like a Bowl of Rice Krispies

rice-creepiesLove isn’t grand gestures, flowery platitudes, or mountains of toys.  Love doesn’t require self-sacrifice on the part of the giver.  Love doesn’t demand service from the recipient.

Love is an accumulation of many little acts.

  • A warm lap to land on at the end of a crazy day.
  • A look in the eyes that tells them, “I know you.  I understand why you feel this way.  I will listen.”
  • A warm “chocolate milky” every morning, and the ability to ask for a little more chocolate without making mom mad.
  • Watching the 9,000th kick flip and yelling encouragement.
  • A safe big bed when the shadows on the wall look like ghosts.
  • Knowing that she likes less peanut butter and more jam.
  • Knowing that he dips absolutely everything in barbecue sauce.
  • A readiness to answer questions, no matter the time or the lack of answers.
  • Catching his eye at the skate park and mouthing the words, “Olive Juice.”
  • Knowing that each of them has different signs that indicate that they are hungry or stressed or tired or over-the-moon happy.
  • Allowing them to be who they are without judgments or expectations.
  • A note on her pillow saying she’s the most talented girl I know.
  • Pouring a bowl of cereal every morning, and tucking them in every night.

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4 comments

  1. Beautiful post. The “olive juice” had me confused for a minute…

    Hugs to you and your darlins’

  2. Lovely! Thank you for this post.

    Being a mom is so rewarding and so exhausting all at the same time usually. I am so thankful for my children. Your post reminds me of all the moments that make me smile. What I love most of all is when I see my kids practice empathy toward others and sometimes even toward each other : )–that is beautiful!

  3. Reese,

    I bet you could add some wonderful things to this list.

    *For those who haven’t figured it out… Look in the mirror, and without saying it out loud, mouth the words, “olive juice.” It looks like “I love you.” ;)

  4. Lynn,

    We must be kindred spirits because that is truly the thing I love to see most in my kids – empathy.