Not sure where one ends and the other begins and grateful for that
Six months after leaving home my sons are closer than ever. At ages 7 and 9 they have no sense of personal space or boundaries with each other. They are each others limbs and whether tumbling in the grass or playing in the pool or now, hovered over my iphone, a tangle of arms and legs in an airport lounge, they are blissfully unaware that they are anything less than the combination of each other.
Taste testing their chocolate creations in Australia on Hayman Island
Every day we are together on this trip the truth of how intimately connected their lives on this planet will always be becomes clear. They are the most beautiful mix of their parents’ love and eyelashes and finger nails and perspectives. They have inside jokes that no one will ever understand more than each other. For now they hold conversations between themselves that cause us adults to take pause and shake our head. In a few years those conversations will become whispers behind closed doors, locking us out and making their bond even closer. They will be each others best historian and, I hope, each others most reliable ally.
Vietnam beach boys
They finish each others sentences and know exactly which buttons to push to get the other happy, upset or giggling.
I know there will come a day when they push each other a little further away. I recognize they will need to assert their individuality and be their own people. But that day is not today.
exploring angkor wat
Nope, today they are each others BFF and momentary nemesis and BFF again. And they are ours. Unbelievably, undeniably ours. We are so incredibly lucky.
Relaxing on a Kenyan safari
Beautifully written!
Thanks Jodi. Straight from the heart.
Beautiful! Even if we are stuck on this one island (Long Island, that is!) rather than traversing the globe, my 7- and 9-year-old boys are the same way, a tangle of genetics and limbs and secret/weird games.It’s nice to be reminded that I should watch them with gratitude and awe (even as they drive me around the bend).
Oh the secret games are in full force here too! Made up games with funny voices and characters that no one understands. Crazy but I love it.
That is so great. Traveling bonds the famiy so much, that the kids really don’t have a choice :) Which is what we want – the lifelong bond!
It’s so true. I knew it could go either way on this trip: either they’d love each other ferociously or never want to see each other again. So glad it’s the former not the latter. :)
Love this! How beautifully written. I see the same things in my 3 boys. Today the 2 oldest were taking turns, happily, carrying their baby brother (who tortures them regularly)! As an only child I have always felt lacking because I had no sibling . It amazes me how quickly they can fight and then go back to giggling like nothing happened. I love watching their bond probably the most in motherhood!
Love that about boys! (Wonder if people with girls find the same thing?) And I agree with you – watching them bond is one of my favourite things too.
Love
Thanks Scott.
oh. happy, happy, joy, joy. life is good!
Heather, you made me cry. Really. Such a beautiful post.
oops. sorry. hope you smiled too :)
Just magic. And good for the heart. : )
I love it too! My brothers are so important to me. I understand the bond, and how incredibly special this trip will be to your boys! *tear*
Oh Heather, how I cried, for the precious treasures between siblings and the unconditional love from parents; so beautifully true.
Totally relate as mom of two girls (8 & 9) :)
sorry Sara! Didn’t meant for you to shed tears. Glad they’re happy ones. We’re so lucky as parents that we get to watch this unfold.
Your words and these pictures perfectly captured the closeness your two boys share. Awesome.
You are so lucky :) and your kids are even luckier , you put a lump in my throat you naughty thing :) love steve & Rita the pomes xxx
I seem to be doing that to a lot of people. ;) Glad you’re still following!
What a beautiful post and wonderful experience that you have created for your boys and your family. It is obvious how special each and every part of this trip has been for all of you!
Melt my heart. These words: “They are the most beautiful mix of their parents’ love and eyelashes and finger nails and perspectives.” are beautiful!
This brings tears to my eyes Heather. Who would have ever thought that traveling would have so many benefits for siblings. It’s enough for me to snatch my kids out of school and join you while there’s still time!
I’m going to have to start a Kleenex rating system on these things!
This was pure gold. I cried, I smiled and you touched my heart. So beautiful Heather!
Heather you made me cry with this post. Beautiful.
A treasure. Lock this post and save it forever to show the boys in 20 years.