this week...

This week our Charli went to have a playdate with her Nana in Tennessee.

As she was leaving...
A concerned little man wanted to know what was going on.

I explained, and he expressed his deep displeasure.
With great emotion he shared...
"But, I won't have my partner!"

He was NOT HAPPY.

The girls and I went out to send off The Princess...

What occurred next really surprised me.
Returning inside...
And rounding the corner...
This is what I found...
My little Buddy...
Quietly standing...
Staring...
All alone.

Eyes and heart fixed on the picture of his bestie...

He remained unresponsive to my calling.

He stood...

He cried...

And, he touched. 

For quite sometime...

He just walked around the house looking for pictures of Charli...

Stopping to express his heart.

He was consumed with miss.

I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't witnessed it with my own eyes. It was like something out of a movie or t.v. show...
But, it was real life...
My life.

As his mom, I was shocked!

I had no idea this would stir his heart so much.

I learned as I watched.

This week.

The lesson of love at The Rose...

Was a reminder...

From a tender 5 year old.

A review of sorts...

Of our call to love, celebrate and enjoy our surrounding gifts...

TODAY...

While they are still near and can be found.

Change is always blowing.

Tomorrow holds few guarantees.

This week...
I was schooled by the loveliest, toe-headed boy I have ever known.

He reminded me that being super at love...

Means valuing what I have been entrusted with...

In the ordinary and sometimes frustrating moments of today.

So, if a time comes when I am left with just a picture on the wall...

I will know beyond a shadow of a doubt...

I loved hard...

And I loved well.