"Promise me you will always remember. You're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think."
(Christopher Robin to Pooh)
~A.A. Milne
It's been hot here.
Really hot.
I-don't-want-to-move-or-go-outside-hot.
But yesterday, Joe and I needed to get out of the house. When daddy came home and after dinner was done, we took a much needed bike ride around the neighborhood last evening. (At least when you are flying down a hill it feels a little cooler.....)
Towards the end of the ride he glanced back and said, "Come oooooooon mommy. Race ya."
Well.
Challenge accepted.
So we raced to the end of the street. Fast. And he made it there first. As I turned in the cul-de-sac..... He slammed on brakes with his big grin.
And then it happened.
He slammed too hard.
Bike wobbling out of control.
Face in panic.
Body meets pavement.
Bruises.
Scrapes.
Wounded.
He looked up at me and said, "Mommy. Get the star box. I need some healing."
Ah yes. The star box. The one that holds precious balms and bandages and healing.....
So sitting on the counter, we chatted.
And I helped to soothe.
To calm.
To heal.
With words and prayers and cool water.
Balm.
Balm.
Remembering today that we all need healing. Whether we are bruised on the outside, or deep on the inside. Oh how it helps knowing that there is someone there to help. To listen. To soothe. Remembering the sufferings of Jesus. His mother. His friends.
After saying the Hail Mary and remembering Jesus' suffering, he hopped from the counter. Renewed.
Turning to me he said, "Thanks mommy. But I do have one question. Do I still win even though I fell?"
Yes Joe. Oh yes. And the fact that you asked for help, picked yourself up, and said prayers? Yes. You won.
(And so did I.)
Sharing at Ann's place today:
