And just like that, I am part of his world. All it took was what, in the grown up world, is a faux pax. I hadn’t shaved because I showered when the baby was napping,between baking and prepping food for dinner. I had other things to do that were more important. As we were riding over to the kiddos’ home, I was complaining and embarrassed about my unshaved legs. The princess never noticed. Mom didn’t notice. When youngest boyo was playing lift me on my legs, I held my breath. But nothing.
It wasn’t until we had all gone outside and were picking zucchinis that the eldest boyo petted my legs. He smiled and proudly helped carry the squashes to the blanket the others were on. I sighed, another hurdle navigated. He said nothing until we had finished the harvest and were all sitting together. Then he petted my legs again and said, “Auntie, your legs are spicy.” My heart sank to my toes and I thought I might die of embarrassment. Then the explanation.
I wonder how I might use this life lesson, because it was profound. If I had shaved, Boyo and I would not have had that connection. I would not be spicy like his Mom. So maybe it is sometimes the little things really don’t matter if they are not integral to the main plan. Maybe it is to let a child pet your legs come what may. Maybe it is shaving isn’t worth it. Is there a lesson? I choose to believe so.
