I was standing in line yesterday, behind two young Mothers who were chatting about their weekends. The one to my left was lamenting a Sunday trip to Build-A-Bear, where her little fella chose to make a Minion...you know...the little yellow guys from the movies. Left side Mama wanted her son to choose a bear or a puppy - something more in line with her taste. Right side Mama was in total sympathy over the recent shocking display of toddler independence.
I hate to tell them, but it only gets worse.
Standing there, trying not to eavesdrop on the rest of their conversation, my mind drifted to a day last week. We were in FINAL PREPARATION MODE for Baby Girl's Gap Year European Adventure. (I have to come up with some pithy name for the next 8 months). I parked the car in the ever crowded Teeter/TJMaxx parking lot. I opened the car door, got out, closed said door, and turned to talk to B.G. Ever since the kids were old enough to trust not to dart away in a parking lot, we have followed the same pattern - I stand by the driver side of the car, and they come around. We meet, and then walk together to our destination. Well...on this, the day before she flew off to lands unknown - she broke pattern....I waited.....looked back into the car to see what was taking her so long....No Baby Girl. Out of the corner of my eye I caught sight of her - striding confidently into the store - without.me.
Later that day - new suitcase packed and repacked....and repacked, she stood with it in the kitchen. In the joy of the moment, she started twirling with the suitcase (which is equipped with 360 degree spinning wheels). Skirts flaring, hair splaying....she laughed in the freedom of the moment...She has found the gumption and courage to choose the Minion, when I would have chosen something cute and safe...like a teddy bear.
In four short days, College Boy will have to be given a new moniker. He will become College Graduate Boy. He will spend his summer working at a Camp, and awaiting word on the final decision from the Peace Corps. He has made it through all of the eliminations and has had his final interview. If he is accepted, he will spend a year in Zambia.....sweet Lord in Heaven, I may have to call my first born PeaceCorp Boy....or Americorp Boy....or one of any other names that all have the same translation....FarFromMama Boy....He has chosen the Minion, when I sure as heck would have chosen the Teddy Bear.
Babiest Girl, still has one more year at home....but I see that damn Yellow Minion gleam in her eye on a daily basis, and know what is coming.....no teddy bears for this one either.
Through the weight of all of the unchosen TeddyBears sitting on my chest, and the tears of pride and grief, I see the bright shinning light of their futures....I hear the strains of that Lion King Anthem - The Circle of Life. I marvel at their courage and their hearts and minds wide open to the possibilities of life as a citizen of a world without borders....and I sympathize with the Mothers on my left and right....wondering how the three year old came to choose a Minion over a Teddy Bear.
