Another day where L boggles my mind with his goodness. Today we headed back to the hospital for L to get his new leg braces.
8AM: We pile into the car.
8:20: Too early to drop S off at daycare, so we first go to a coffee shop where I said no to 578 things and yes to a slice of banana bread that L has to wait to eat.
8:30: Drop S off at daycare and allow L to eat his banana bread.
9:15: Arrive at hospital after long drive in AM traffic with Raffi playing in the car (shoot me).
9:40: We’re seen for the first time. L tries on the braces.
9:50: Back to the waiting room while the braces are fine tuned.
10:15: L notices a boy with one leg. “You are the best hopper I’ve ever seen!” L and the boy quickly become friends and the boy happily explains all of his congenital anomalies to L, who thinks they’re cool. L tries and tries but just can’t hop as well as the boy. “I’ll just stick with running. I’m good at that. You should stick to hopping since you have one leg and you’re so good at it.” The boy’s mother and I look on, beaming with pride at our respective little awesome fellows.
10:45: L is finally fitted with the braces. He needs to walk around and play in them for 15-20 minutes to make sure they are comfortable.
11:25: We’re given the go ahead to leave. L’s shoes don’t fit over the braces so I decide to go to a nearby mall to buy shoes at Target (best place on Earth) and have some lunch.
11:45: Loud POP sound from L’s right brace in the back of the car as I pull into mall parking lot. Uh-oh.
The guy had told me “don’t be shy” when he supervised me strapping them on L for the first time. He wanted me to crank those straps tight. Apparently, he was not aware that I have superhuman mommy strength, and I busted a rivet. Dammit! Since we’re at the mall, we buy big shoes, hope they fit, and grab some lunch before heading back to the hospital.
At this point I feel bad for L. He has already spent all morning mostly waiting. I also have the heartbroken feeling I get after a day in the children’s hospital and I’d buy the kid a freaking pony if he asked for it. Instead, I take him to a candy store on our way out of the mall. To the best of my knowledge, L has been in a candy store one other time in his life, so this is a very special treat. Upon entering his eyes bug out and he exclaims, “I love this place!” While he occupies himself with a display of sparkly m&m purses (?), I get him a few assorted pieces of bulk candy. Not a lot.
The small bag of candy completely blows L’s mind and he cannot believe his luck. He keeps telling me, “I love what you got for me!” and “You’re the best mommy I ever had!” and “This is the best day. I just love this day!”
1:25: Arrive back at the hospital, deliver the busted braces back to the guy and head to the waiting room.
This is where the magic happens. L approaches each person in the waiting room, shows them his bag of candy, explains that his mommy got it for him, and offers them some. Remember, there was not a lot of candy to begin with; despite that, he offers candy to the nurses and doctors, to the parents and children, the receptionists, aides and a janitor. Most decline, some take a piece. The child gives away almost all of his candy! And he’s happy as anything to do it.
At one point I heard him trying to convince a waiting mom to take a piece: “Are you sure you don’t want one? I’ve got some gummy worms and here’s a frog. And a couple of these things which look really good – I’m sure you’ll like them. You can take it home and eat it later.”
Now I really want to get him a pony. After spending all day waiting around in a hospital L cheerfully gives away his reward for good behavior. Absolutely overwhelmed with happiness at having a bag of candy, he simply wants to share the joy.
We finally leave the hospital around 2:30 with no more candy in his bag. “Mommy, do you think you can buy me a bag of candy another time? I just loved it.” Yes, L, I will buy you a bag of candy another time. (Grateful he hasn’t asked for that pony.)
Clicking on the banner below could save the world. What? You can’t prove it can’t. Fine. Please click just to support me.
I’ve been following your blog for months and I have to say…that was the sweetest story. What a great day!!! I can’t wait for my 18 month old daughter to give me days like that.
oh my gosh, he’s such a great kid!
Absolutely beautiful.
New reader here, and I know I’ll be sticking around a long time after that. This honestly brought tears to my eyes. Just beautiful. You are raising an amazing person there.
ok, almost crying here reading this post. What a freakin cute kid. So sweet!You should be very proud of him and you for raising such a well behaved, generous and loving human being. I say get him that pony
More like this one please!
I feel compelled to add that this generous nature of L’s is unique to him. T and I regularly buy ourselves our favorite treats and hide them in the house so no one else can get them. If I have a bag of candy and you approach me, I might snarl.
That’s a long day. You should definitely be proud of you little fellow!!
That is so sweet! What a big heart that kid has!
Wow. I am not a crier or a tear-er even, but that tugs me with so much pride and he’s not even mine! I hope that my little girl turns out to be so kind as she gets older because it’s not something I or anyone can teach her.
Ahhh, 4! : ) Great job, L!!! Can I be proud, too? I am!
That is so awesome! Well done, both of you. My daughter also enjoys going to the doctor or hospital 45-60 minutes away, because she gets to spend half a day with me. I bet much of L’s joy had the same source.
So sweet.
Must. Squeeze. Adorable. Child.
What a precious, precious little boy!
Don’t you just love moments like that?
This made my heart burst with happiness. Thanks for sharing!
Ahh children can really teach us a lot
Your little guy was so sweet….but remember he must have learned it somewhere..kudos to you 
I have a sister who used to do this. She would give away every piece of gum in a pack and not have one left for herself. That kind of joy and selflessness is the most beautiful thing in existence. Thank you SO much for sharing this. Completely brightened my day
What a beautiful story! I am happy for you both that you had such a wonderful day together. Parenting is so strange. Sometimes when you plan a “fun” day, it turns into a total disaster. Who knew that “leg brace fitting day” could be the best day ever?!?!? WTF?
That is just an awesome story. I hope my son grows to also have that generous, loving spirit. Rock on, L.
I fucking love your kid. Can I take him home for a few days and return him when the magic wears off?
Honest to God you are the first person ever to offer to take L home. I get offers for S all the time, then I say that they’re a package deal and the offer is reneged.
damn. can I get the kid a pony? (don’t tell my kid)
What a love.
Keep this one in your pocket for easy reference on the tough days. He rocks.
This just goes to show that you my dear have raised a most wonderful child. And that is a great feat in our world today. A child so willing to share something as great as a small bag of candy and with so much love is just a treasure indeed. It warms my heart and makes me want to sing. Although I can’t sing so I won’t. My heart will just smile instead and hope that I run into your sweet hearted young man someday with a bag full of candy.
What a great story! I love it, and yes, I do have tears in my eyes! What a special kid! You are so lucky.
I just found your blog and I love it. Your son is edible. Will vote for you immediately.
Pingback: Is Today Over Yet? « Motherhood, WTF?
Oh my stars, that is the sweetest story. Just read it aloud to my husband because I loved it so much. We still marvel at the fact that our kids share their candy and snacks with us — wonder how long that will last.
proof that no matter how low you feel some days, you’re a rockin’ mom