An Unexpected Wish

Wish

I have never really expected a lot from my kids. They are only 4 and 2, respectively, and they still have a lifetime of things to learn. As it turns out, I have been sorely underestimating the emotional capacity of their young minds. My son taught me this lesson on a recent trip to the local mall.

It was as ordinary a day as they come. We made a stop at the mall to pick up some things we probably didn’t need and at some point my son and I broke off to go do some guy stuff. The mall had set up an awesome (and free) Easter egg hunt in one of the empty stores. As an aside, this mall has always struggled to fill all the stores, so the Easter egg hunt was greatly appreciated.

Once the final egg was found, my son calmly counted his loot as we moved on to his favourite spot in the mall. The wishing fountain. After all, this is the place where you can make all your wildest dreams come true and all for the low, low price of a quarter and a wish. I prepped him for the big throw by giving him some examples of wishes that ran the gamut from “more sunny days” to “new toys” but he wasn’t having any of that nonsense. No, my tiny little man looked up at me and then decided to drop this bit of awesomeness before launching his coin:

“I wish that I love my sister forever”

I know, right? I just about melted through the floor when he said it. The real kicker was that I could see by the look in his eyes, that he truly meant it. There was no reason for him to play up to the crowd because, well, there was no crowd. I slowly knelt down, gave him a huge hug and told him how proud I was of him. I hope that he could see by the look in my eyes, how much I truly meant that.

15 replies
  1. daniel
    daniel says:

    That is awesome. It truly does warm the heart when siblings show this kind of affection. At times it is fleeting and the fists start flying, but these moments make it all worth it.

    Reply
  2. Terry Brewer
    Terry Brewer says:

    Well that left a lump in my throat… You know what, Chris? Well you do of course but I’m going to say it anyway. The beautiful human beings that your children so clearly are and will always be is in so many ways a reflection of the time you guys have spent with them, and the values you have taught them by example. You guys rock, big time. All four of you. 🙂 *hugs!* xo

    Reply
  3. Martina
    Martina says:

    Of course he does, just look at how sweet she is. Clearly you and your wife are great parents 🙂

    It’s amazing what those tiny humans can do to us!

    Reply
  4. Candace
    Candace says:

    As an only child I often struggle with the intense fighting that can happen between siblings. That being said, I also see the deep connection between them and it blows me away. I never had that and I didn’t miss it until I witnessed it between my two girls. When they comfort each other or stick up for the other, my heart misses a beat. Kids are awesome. Love this story and glad your son and daughter will be able to look back on it years down the road now.

    Reply
    • Chris Read
      Chris Read says:

      It’s so amazing to watch them interact and love each other. I know that they are going to go through rough times together but I will always cherish these moments and I’m glad I have been able to capture it.

      Reply
  5. Catherine
    Catherine says:

    That is just so lovely. I’m blinking back tears and very happy for your son and daughter to know and share in so much love.

    Reply

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