I Think You'll Understand

For the past several weeks, Sarah has been going into school an hour early, two days a week, for "Mind Games" practice...a city-wide academic competition. For Darren, her absence equals an hour of He-Twin only morning time at home---culminating in an unshared walk with Mommy into the classroom twice a week.

Strolling our way into second grade, holding my young son's hand...

Mommy (well-aware of her son's soaring 95th-percentile on the height chart stature): "Darren, you know I love holding your hand walking into school like this. You're getting to be such a big boy. Whenever you feel like you are too big---or maybe a bit embarrassed---to have me hold your hand as we walk, you can let me know, and it'll be okay. Just know that I will always be holding your hand in my heart. Even when you are a grown man with grandkids of your own, you'll still always be my boy, and I'll still want to hold your hand."

Darren (matter-of-factly): "Mommy, you know you'll be dead by then."

Suppose Darren's grip on reality charms me as much as his hand held in mine.