I love Tommy, my now seventeen year old son. He is one of the most caring, sensitive, and encouraging boys I know. He has such a tender and sweet heart and a great sense of humor and wit.

Just the other day we were talking about his first day of kindergarten and when I picked him up after school. I asked him, “Tommy, what was your favorite part of the day?” His response was one I will never forget!  In his little six year old voice he said to me, “Mom, my favorite part of the day was when you came back to pick me up.” Talk about stroking my mom ego! I’m sure there were so many new and exciting things to do on that first day of school but yet, I was the best part of his day! How wonderful is that! As a mom we don’t always get to hear these precious, heart-melting, words, so I savored them greatly.

Recently, at the age of 17, I picked Tommy up from school for a doctor’s appointment. As we were riding in the car I asked him, “So…Tommy, what was your favorite part of the day?” His answer this time was no more than a grunt. I then proceeded to remind him of his first day of kindergarten and what he had told me that day. He quickly responded to me by saying, “Mom…that’s still my favorite part of the day!”

Seriously!? This kid is so sweet! I said, “Tommy, you don’t know how special that makes me feel. You said the exact same thing when you were six and now you’re saying it to me again!” Then, in his seventeen year old voice, he said to me, “Mom…that’s always been my favorite part of the day! Obviously…it’s because when you pick me up, I’m done with school and I get to go home and relax! It really doesn’t have anything to do with you. It’s just that…when I see you, I know my school day is finally over and I’m free!”

Well, Tommy…I’m not buying it! You can say that, but I know deep down inside, whether you’re six or seventeen, I’m still one of the best parts of your day. A mom can only wish, right!?