Driving through our neighborhood I turned around to see Beau staring out the window with a serene look on his face. I did a double take, in awe that he was quiet, not on my phone, and seemingly content. As soon as I turned around he asked me “what?” To which I replied, “nothing.” It was just a mother’s observation; a little moment to lock away. He went on to tell me that he was looking at the signs. We live in a newer community where there are still model homes and open lots waiting to be developed. And there are still little banners on the main streets to attract people. He thought the funniest one was “Welcome Canadians.” I didn’t say anything, just waited for what he would say next. He said it was so funny because “anybody should be welcome everywhere.” Out of the mouths of babes… With no concept of borders and civil wars and militant groups and refugees and plastic boats…
When I think about this half-minute conversation between us it makes me want to cry. (Although in all honesty pretty much everything could make me cry. I’ve learned the hard way not to watch videos shared on facebook…) All at the same time I was thinking how amazing it is how much potential my child has, and how heartbreaking it all is because I just want to protect him and let him keep living in the world thinking that people should be allowed anywhere. And that is the struggle of parenthood.
