Every Saturday my husband and our son celebrate its arrival when they wake up with a little ritual. With a big smile on his face, my husband will get down with our son and gleefully shout, "What day is it Malachi?" Malachi will shout, "Saturday!" Then together they will both shout and say, "No work...no school...just play!" It always makes me smile to hear this joyful exchange between them. This morning they left the house early for Malachi's swimming lesson, and to go get haircuts afterwards. A couple of hours to myself on Saturday morning is always a welcome treat!
This morning brought an extra treat with a phone call from Alan and Malachi asking me to join them for a late breakfast at a nearby restaurant...to which I simply could not refuse! During every outing we have in public, there is always a constant low level of tension present that I can never seem to shake. I'm always on guard, always watching Malachi - and everyone around us, and constantly on the lookout for red flags, or the signs that it's time to leave. This morning when I walked into the restaurant, I relaxed somewhat when I saw that Alan and Malachi were in a corner booth, sitting side by side and all was calm.
Malachi looked so cute with his new haircut. As soon as I sat down he asked me if I liked it. (Of course, I think he's the most handsome kid in the world no matter what)! It surprised me that he was seeking my approval - something he doesn't usually seek from anyone - so it was with great pleasure I got to tell him how handsome he looked!
Malachi finished his Belgium Waffle and wanted another one...but it was getting time to go. We had waited quite awhile for the one he had just eaten. I'm seeing the signs that the morning's events are beginning to take their toll on his senses. The restaurant is starting to fill up quickly now with people coming in for lunch, and I knew it was time for us to go. He wasn't satisfied with our answer that he could have more to eat when we got home. Without warning, he promptly stood up on the seat calling out very loudly for everyone to hear, "Does anyone have a waffle I can have?" My face turned beet red...the restaurant was filled with the sounds of laughter everywhere. I told Malachi to sit down, I was so embarrassed! I think someone wanted to have some more fun and laughter at my expense and called out, "Hey, why don't you ask that again?" Malachi quite willingly obliged and stood up again to repeat the question! More laughter...someone offered him their pancakes. Malachi informed them he didn't like pancakes, at which point I interrupted the conversation and told him to sit down. People were still giggling. Sigh.
My husband is smiling, Malachi is actually smiling, people around us are laughing and smiling...is this really okay? I'm usually busy trying to keep everything running on an even keel, or fending off disasters, or appeasing and apologizing to angry people. This is a new experience. A crowd of happy people, who seem to be quite nice, just having some harmless fun...or is it? Last Friday we were dealing with a crowd of folks who were angry and yelling at us, this week we're dealing with folks who are teasing and having some fun - at my son's expense of course, but maybe I shouldn't look at it like that. I sat there analyzing, worrying, and wondering if this was okay. I looked around and could tell that no one was being malicious. Even the person who had put Malachi up to his repeat performance actually seemed like a nice guy, smiling and friendly. Since no one was being mean spirited or ugly, I finally relaxed and decided that this was much better (and less stressful) than dealing with an angry crowd. In a few minutes everyone had returned back to their meals and their conversations. I guess it's time to learn how to relax more when we go out...that's not likely to happen though...but I will take this kind of fun and laughter over screaming and yelling - any day!
This morning brought an extra treat with a phone call from Alan and Malachi asking me to join them for a late breakfast at a nearby restaurant...to which I simply could not refuse! During every outing we have in public, there is always a constant low level of tension present that I can never seem to shake. I'm always on guard, always watching Malachi - and everyone around us, and constantly on the lookout for red flags, or the signs that it's time to leave. This morning when I walked into the restaurant, I relaxed somewhat when I saw that Alan and Malachi were in a corner booth, sitting side by side and all was calm.
Malachi looked so cute with his new haircut. As soon as I sat down he asked me if I liked it. (Of course, I think he's the most handsome kid in the world no matter what)! It surprised me that he was seeking my approval - something he doesn't usually seek from anyone - so it was with great pleasure I got to tell him how handsome he looked!
Malachi finished his Belgium Waffle and wanted another one...but it was getting time to go. We had waited quite awhile for the one he had just eaten. I'm seeing the signs that the morning's events are beginning to take their toll on his senses. The restaurant is starting to fill up quickly now with people coming in for lunch, and I knew it was time for us to go. He wasn't satisfied with our answer that he could have more to eat when we got home. Without warning, he promptly stood up on the seat calling out very loudly for everyone to hear, "Does anyone have a waffle I can have?" My face turned beet red...the restaurant was filled with the sounds of laughter everywhere. I told Malachi to sit down, I was so embarrassed! I think someone wanted to have some more fun and laughter at my expense and called out, "Hey, why don't you ask that again?" Malachi quite willingly obliged and stood up again to repeat the question! More laughter...someone offered him their pancakes. Malachi informed them he didn't like pancakes, at which point I interrupted the conversation and told him to sit down. People were still giggling. Sigh.
My husband is smiling, Malachi is actually smiling, people around us are laughing and smiling...is this really okay? I'm usually busy trying to keep everything running on an even keel, or fending off disasters, or appeasing and apologizing to angry people. This is a new experience. A crowd of happy people, who seem to be quite nice, just having some harmless fun...or is it? Last Friday we were dealing with a crowd of folks who were angry and yelling at us, this week we're dealing with folks who are teasing and having some fun - at my son's expense of course, but maybe I shouldn't look at it like that. I sat there analyzing, worrying, and wondering if this was okay. I looked around and could tell that no one was being malicious. Even the person who had put Malachi up to his repeat performance actually seemed like a nice guy, smiling and friendly. Since no one was being mean spirited or ugly, I finally relaxed and decided that this was much better (and less stressful) than dealing with an angry crowd. In a few minutes everyone had returned back to their meals and their conversations. I guess it's time to learn how to relax more when we go out...that's not likely to happen though...but I will take this kind of fun and laughter over screaming and yelling - any day!
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