Out of my tribe of boys, I have one son that is “the coolest kid.” (O.K. that was a direct quote from him)!
Max is a quietish child that can be found playing quietly with his little action men. I use the word “quietish” because like the rest of them, he can get really riled up! He has such a gentle soul. He is extremely thoughtful and kind.
He is the child that often gets left behind! Simply because he is so quiet. I actually have to count and make sure each child is accounted for.
A few summers ago… well actually many summer ago because Max was still in a car seat… we went to one of the boys soccer games. It was one of the HOT… VERY HOT and HUMID days! The temperature gage was in the 90s without the humidity factor.
All the boys were out of the vehicle. Sanj had grabbed the chairs and all the boys were off. I was grabbing something from the back and ready to shut the truck door when I hear a movement.
I was not sure what I hear so I said, “Anyone in there?” I hear this tiny voice… “I am!”
Max could not undo himself from his car seat and was waiting patiently. Sanj and I both assumed the other had let him out.
I can’t help but shudder of this poor child of mine locked in the car in that heat.
“Max! Next time YELL … Say SOMETHING! Get me OUT!!!” I advised him.
Yes there is a next time. Quite a few, I am sad to say! There were a few time were would sit down to lunch and suddenly realize one was missing! WHERE IS MAX? Oh dear! There he is patiently playing in the front seat with the steering wheel.
“Max… This is a horn! HONK next time!”
Then there was the time when he was not too young. We were in Maryland, visiting my brother. I would take the boys for a week while Sanj stayed and worked.
We were going to do lunch at Olive Gardens. (It is one of my favorite places to eat)! We all went in… (at this point, Max had to go to the bathroom… which I am sure he went with one of his brothers… but obviously got ditched). The wait was way to long. So we left and went across the street to another restaurant.
As we are waiting to be seated, my brother says, “Where’s Max?”
I thought he had rode with my brother ( as he had on the way there).
Quickly we realized that we left him at Olive Gardens.
Prayer goes a long way in this situation.
My brother runs over and Max is just being to wonder where we are seated.
My sweet Max has guardian angels working overtime!
Being the fourth child in a house of busy brothers. I often have to stop and make sure that I shower this sweet, lovely boy of mine extra hugs and kisses. He is such a joy and delight. He is also learning the art of becoming a pesky older brother!
Now when we get in the vehicle we always count. When we have 2 vehicles… we hold up or signal how many children we each are driving away with.
As the Rescue Heros say, ” Nobody gets left behind!”