That was beautiful. My kids are already "growed up." (My son had his 38th birthday yesterday.) Time goes by fast and you never know what they're going to take out of childhood with them. If you did it right, they'll be your best friends.
Love that affirmation at the end, Ben. As our three children were growing up it never occurred to me we were raising future friends, but it's true. Now, spending time with our grown children and their spouses is one of life's greatest delights!
Yes. Mercy. You didn't fail. Leo was blessed by hearing his favorite performer in person, even though he didn't have a great view. And it's one of his favorite memories. Our Father is so good.
Thank you for sharing this story, Shawn--proof that our children are more resilient and more grace-filled than we realize. I often think our three children, now adults, turned out quite well in SPITE of me, not because of me. God's grace played a role, I'm sure!
I'm a new parent and I'm so grateful that I read this! My son is 18-months-old, so I'm sure I'll have many similar decisions to make in the years ahead. Already this year, we went to a holiday light show that cost an arm and a leg just to get in. The only thing my son wanted was to ride the choo-choo (forget the lights). Guess what? You need another ticket for that :) I went to buy a ticket and when she said it was $20 (for a 3 minute train ride), I almost cried. But he smiled the whole time! So I guess it was worth. Thanks for your words, Shawn! (And P.S. we're neighbors! We live in Woodbine, MD and also go to the Great Frederick Fair. We'll have to look for your booth next year.)
Ah, Shawn. You did great. I love how Leo remembers this event, especially how he sees himself as being part of the concert, even from outside the gate. And he WAS part of it. He even got to have both (tired!) parents there with him. Kids are wonderful, most times they have way less expectations of perfection than their parents do!
That was beautiful. My kids are already "growed up." (My son had his 38th birthday yesterday.) Time goes by fast and you never know what they're going to take out of childhood with them. If you did it right, they'll be your best friends.
Love that affirmation at the end, Ben. As our three children were growing up it never occurred to me we were raising future friends, but it's true. Now, spending time with our grown children and their spouses is one of life's greatest delights!
Thanks for reading, Ben. I always love hearing the experience of parents who are a little further along the journey.
Yes. Mercy. You didn't fail. Leo was blessed by hearing his favorite performer in person, even though he didn't have a great view. And it's one of his favorite memories. Our Father is so good.
Thank you.
Thank you for sharing this story, Shawn--proof that our children are more resilient and more grace-filled than we realize. I often think our three children, now adults, turned out quite well in SPITE of me, not because of me. God's grace played a role, I'm sure!
So true, Nancy.
I'm a new parent and I'm so grateful that I read this! My son is 18-months-old, so I'm sure I'll have many similar decisions to make in the years ahead. Already this year, we went to a holiday light show that cost an arm and a leg just to get in. The only thing my son wanted was to ride the choo-choo (forget the lights). Guess what? You need another ticket for that :) I went to buy a ticket and when she said it was $20 (for a 3 minute train ride), I almost cried. But he smiled the whole time! So I guess it was worth. Thanks for your words, Shawn! (And P.S. we're neighbors! We live in Woodbine, MD and also go to the Great Frederick Fair. We'll have to look for your booth next year.)
Yes, come find us next year. PA Dutch Foods, just outside the grandstand.
I loved this. Thank you, Shawn.
Thanks, Faith!
I love this. As a parent, this mortifies me but also gives hope. Thank you.
It took me a long time to be okay with my humanity as a parent.
It's a very freeing truth.
this is such a beautiful lesson in reframing!
Thanks for reading, Elizabeth.
What grace 💙
He's a pretty sweet kid.
Ah, Shawn. You did great. I love how Leo remembers this event, especially how he sees himself as being part of the concert, even from outside the gate. And he WAS part of it. He even got to have both (tired!) parents there with him. Kids are wonderful, most times they have way less expectations of perfection than their parents do!
So true. Thanks, Fan.
Beautiful. Children can so often play the role of grace in our lives.
So true. Thanks, Lisa.
Perspective makes all the difference. Thank you for sharing. I could almost hear and see the sights and sounds.
It really does. Thanks, Karen.