On Independence Day, while sitting in the pool, my twenty-one year old son was studying my face. After a while, it seemed I realized I was being watched, so he swam in closer, invading my personal space, giving me a big hug. (Offensive linemen give big hugs on and off the field.)

Now.

Between you and I, I know he sees me aging, and it’s making him feel a little sad. So I held my breath, as I looked up at him,  in anticipation of the words I saw forming inside his mind through those crystal blue eyes of his.

I mean, I can acknowledge the fact I am getting older, but “outta the mouths of babes”, one never does know how those words will hit the ego. *giggles*

A few hours before, he had picked up one of my curls and made that *awwww* sound, which I can easily translate for him to mean, “Your hair is graying.”

After the sweet wet swimmy hug and the “I love you,” I hear this as he smirks and gazes down at me – (his girlfriend is suffering, I assure you *smirk* )

He said, “Momma, you have freckles on your lips…”

…as if he’d never really studied me before today. He’s an intellectual and, with complete faith, loves me unconditionally.

To which I replied,

“Hi, I’m your mother. It’s nice to finally meet you.”

I suppose I’ll add this exchange to the swimming moment we have from when he was 5 years old.

What is it with he and I and summer swim time?!

“Momma, your arms with all those freckles (motions up and down my arms) looks like a beautifully baked cheese pizza.”

My reply to our hysterically laughing group of friends,

“I guess it’s time for lunch.” ♡

Happy Belated 4th of July hope you enjoyed yours as much as I enjoyed mine!