Lil' Gentleman, His Mommy, and Their Suitcases

With Chris meeting with other youth pastors in Houston all week, we decided it would be the perfect chance for Park and me to spend some quality time at Lolli and Pops' house. I chose to withhold this information from Park until the day before the trip because I've learned the anticipation of it all is more than his little 2-year-old heart can bear.

Well, actually it is my 30-year-old heart that can't bear the excitement of the million "I NEED TO GO NOW!" declarations from said 2-year-old, but same difference , right?

We were set to leave Friday morning, so I thought I it was safe to deliver the big news Thursday afternoon. We packed our suitcases together and were sure to include everything known to man. Because we are nothing if not over packers. And that would make perfect sense if Lolli hadn't already overstocked her home with everything we might possibly need from now until the return of our Lord.

After the suitcases (no need to disclose the exact number) were packed, Park informed me that he would be loading them into the car because he was a, "Genneleman, Mommy." That made my heart smile.

Especially after the episode last week at Kohl's when he tried to hold the door for two ladies engrossed in conversation. After they did not notice his attempts, he promptly slammed the door angrily, screaming at them, "But I was tryin' to be a GENNELMAN!!" Clearly, what my little guy lacks on the road to gentlemanhood, he more than makes up for in the passionate determination department.

And judging from the way he slammed our suitcases around, I'd say he is more than well on his way to becoming a "man". It's the "gentle" portion of the word that's still a work in progress.

After allowing him to load a few suitcases, I told him Daddy would put the rest of them (again, no need to disclose the exact number) in the car the next morning. That's when the flood gates opened and I realized exactly how wrong I had been on my previous "safe to disclose the trip one day in advance" decision.

The heartbreaking lip trembling ensued for a bit, with intermittent sobs of "but I waaant my Pops now. My Lolli is waitin' for me and I need to see her noooowww!". I worked at comforting my sweet little man, assuring him that Daddy would drive us there first thing in the morning. After hunkering down in preparation for the long bouts of tears that were sure to be released, I was surprised to catch a glimpse of a smile on his face as I felt his little body jump out of my arms and run to his room.

Perplexed, I sat and listened quietly from my position in the living room.

Nothing.

No tears, No whining, No fit throwing.

Just as I began reflecting on how grown up my precious love had become, he came strolling out of his room, dragging stuffed animals in each hand. With his fully stuffed back pack in place, hat flipped backward, and shoes on the wrong feet, he announced with confidence that he didn't need me to take him to Lolli and Pops' house anymore.

"I sided (decided) to walk there, my Mommy. ALL BY MYSELF!"

Considering the gas prices, that may not be such a bad idea. Judging from all the suitcases he'll have to carry, though, it's a good thing my not so gentle man is passionately determined to get to his Lolli and Pop's house.

*Stay tuned for more on "Lil' Gentleman, His Mommy and Their Suitcases' Adventure at the Grandparent's" .....Part 2 continued next post....