one day after school

I have 3 beautiful and healthy children, i'm so blessed. Even though they are growing up, they still need their mom. Everyday they find little ways to show their love to me. Today was no exception.

My middle son, Alex, is 15. He went thru a huge growth spurt just recently and is over 6'2 now.. and still growing. He can put on a tough act.. but as a mother, i know his true heart ;)

We live approx. one mile from the local high school, the school district will only send school buses if you live more than a mile away. That means the kids either have to ride their bikes, walk, or get a ride to and from school.

Because i'm often teaching or busy when school is out, i expect the kids to walk home after school. They always get a ride in the morning, because its just so early.

2 of my kids have come to accept the fact that after school, they will just gather their things and walk home..... but Alex always has other expectations.

Nearly every single day at 2:30 in the afternoon i get a text or a call from Alex saying "are you going to be here after school today?"

now.. you may think he is just being lazy.. but i had a sneaking suspicion he just wanted to see him mom ASAP! Some days i was able to grant his request and show up after school with a big smile to tell him hi.. and ask about his day. but there were many many days where i had to say... i'm sorry alex, i just need you to walk today. the disappointment in his voice was always heart breaking.

well, today i thought i'd surprise my dear son :) soooo.... knowing that he'd be expecting to see mom at 2:30, i went ahead and walked up to school to surprise him as soon as class was over!

now... my daughter hannah, 16 1/2, saw me arrive by foot .. she was still in class but managed to send me this text "what are you doing here????" and i replied "why are you watching me?????" she was obviously horrified that her mom appeared at the school door eagerly waiting to surprise her brother. hannah never responded to my text and apparently escaped out the back door of the school and walked home.

i sent my dear son a text "if you don't want to walk home alone today, i'll be here at 2:30" he received it.. but because he is sooo clever he knew something was up.. but just couldn't put his finger on what was going on.

i walked into the school and smiled at all his friends.. they all greeted me... "hi mrs henson" i could tell by their faces they were feeling so happy that alex's mom showed up to meet him after school :)

then... i saw my sweet son.. and said "hi.. i'm here to meet you after school" he had this look on his face that was nearly indescribable.. but if i had to put it into words i'd say it was a "wtf" look

he said.."what are you doing here" i said.."everyday you ask me the same question... will you be here after school.. and i just know that it has nothing to do with getting a ride for a short mile walk.. and that you really miss your mom.. so, today i thought i'd surprise you and walk you home" again.. the look on his face... just priceless.

here is a pictorial guide to our walk home....
1. alex, filled with joy at seeing his mom in front of all his friends
2. alex collecting his things... so that we can walk the entire mile together and talk about his day
3. alex looking lovingly at his mom on the walk
4. alex threatening to throw himself into traffic if i ever did this again
5. alex looking longingly at a school bus as it passes, but then he remembered how fun this walk was
6. alex and his mom.. just as we arrived home... can't you just feel the joy and the love???

i'm the luckiest mom in the world to have such thoughtful kids :)