A Man Will Always Be Your Son

“Your turn to tell the story, Mom.”

“No, it’s your turn,” I replied, and so he began.

No connected thoughts. Lots of giggles and silliness in his 4-year old delight until he settled into his pillow.

It is easy to tell a story when the listener believes in you and hangs on every word. The plot thickens or wanes as his breathing softens or excels as your story is interrupted with listener input.

I remember one story that began with giggles and joy and ended with tears of release and hopefulness. I could tell you that story now, but more than the story what I remember from that nighttime reverie of Mom and child is a special lasting reward and joy.

That night my son looked up at me and asked, “Mom, what is the biggest number of all?”

I answered, “Nathaniel, there is none because numbers go on and on to infinity.”

I know he understood for his immediate response was, “Then I love you until it never comes to an end and infinity and more.”

That was 30 years ago but never forgotten for though he is now a young father with a child of his own, when we correspond we always sign with our secret code:

I.L.Y.U.I.N.C.T.A.E.A.I.A.M.

By Ruth Scott