Just after 6 AM Mago awoke loudly whining (almost howling) and I went into his room to learn what was the matter. He charged me like a linebacker to push me out of the room, crying:
No, I wanted mommy!
I know better than to argue with that, but at the same time Tia was still sleeping and I’m not going to leave and get her. I tried to hold him and tell him it made me sad he didn’t want me (how permanent that sounds – better to say I’m sad he doesn’t want my help – most mornings he’ll give me a long hug). He wouldn’t have any of it, and kept crying –
Mommy didn’t put on my shoes!
– and in some moments he went back to his bed. I paused, standing at his door trying to sort out where this complaint was coming from.
Did you have a dream?
Yeah.
What happened in the dream?
A picture frame fell.
Then what happened?
He didn’t have any further answer, so I went to his bed side. I didn’t know what to do with this. I wondered what connection this had with shoes in a dream or real life. Maybe I asked the wrong question next.
What did you learn from that?
Stop hitting.
.. I don’t know that that has anything to do with that, but okay.
How would I more carefully say I don’t see a connection while acklowledging he may? .. maybe just like that. Or is this just a default answer? It both tickles me and makes me sad. He’s reflecting to us our Old Testament treatment – do not, do not. Let’s turn that around to “Be gentle.” I guess “Don’t” is a good starting place.
So a picture frame fell – of what picture? – that could be sad symbolism in itself – and mom wouldn’t put on your shoes.. and maybe you want to hit people because of these things, but you don’t. That’s good. If I’m understanding this right.
It eased him, anyway, and he slept for another hour and a half.