by Anita Brown

Created on: August 24, 2008   Last Updated: October 31, 2008

My fifth son was alway late getting to school. No matter how early I woke him or how much I had prepared for him. I would have his breakfast made, his clothes laid out, Shoes and coat by the door and school book bag loaded with his books and lunch. None of this sped up the process.

My older children would be ready by the door. All of them panicky that they would be late for school and each of them taking turns yelling for Nathaniel. The last possible minute they could leave without being late, he would finally get his shoes on and head out the door with them. Together they all would head to school.

Almost daily I would recieve a call from his teacher to ask where my son was. Of couse my reply would be the same each time the call came. I would say that the kids already left and my son should be there and no sir, he is not home sick today.

We lived in a small town, my husbands home town. We knew everyone as they were all people who my husband grew up with. I did not initially worry about Nathaniel, however, I question the older boys about him not getting to school on time. They continued to tell me that he was too slow and they would run ahead so as not to be late.

After about a week straight, the many phone calls from school prompted me to follow him one day. Ofcourse I didn't let him know I was following. I hid in bushes and behind parked cars to not be seen. I wanted to see what it was that was making him late everyday for school.

Well, about half way there, the boys were yelling for him to hurry and he plunked his butt right there on the sidewalk. My others sons, looking very frustrated with him, pled hopelessly for him to come with them. To no avail, he did not budge and the boys ran off and left him there. So I watched him. And I watched for about fifteen minutes.

He had a leaf in his hand, very curiously stareing at it. I came over to him and asked what he was doing. For a little while there was no answer so I patiently waited. Then he said. "I am looking at this leaf. wonder how all these lines get in here. Look mom, see how pretty it is." I took the leaf in my own hand and saw what he was telling me. He looked very satisfied and stood up. With a flash he was off to school.

I learned that day to slow down and love this world we live in. People are so fast and furiously trying to get to work or school or shopping even, to enjoy the wonders and beauty in our world. Our society is much to fast paced. No wonder accidents happen. I think even I had forgotten how to breathe properly with trying to raise a large family.

That little boy at his tender young age of five, taught me so much that day. I now appreciate the little thigs in life. I have slowed down and smelled the roses. I realize the grocey store will still be there an hour from now. It is alright if supper is ten minutes late. Laundry isn't going anywhere. If my children want to make mudcakes, thenI am going to make mudcakes with them.

I called the school when I got home and explained that my son is late because he has much to see and discover while in transit. There is alot he is learning on his own. While I do agree that education is very important. I know that my son will achieve on his own time. But for now he is quite busy enough discovering the world.

Many thank yous to my son, who retaught me to breathe in the beauty of this world. To stop and appreciate the natural wonders all around me. Our lives are much to short to never have stopped and smelled a rose. Isn't it?

Learn more about this author, Anita Brown.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.