Mr. Rogers

May 2007.

Yesterday....I was chasing my 3 year old around the house, yelling for him not to take his sisters "paci", and to pick up the blocks and not jump on the couch, and pleading for him to sit down and eat his meals. I was so exasperated I wondered how I got myself into this stay at home mom mess... and how in the world would I ever survive until dady comes home ... never mind when he goes to school, or let's not even go there about how long it will be until he turns 18. My strong willed monster of a boy was getting the best of me.
Today.... as I was in the rush of helping hubby plot plans, feeding baby, pouring more 'ket'ch up' for the little man (who was already late for his nap) and wondering if and when I'd find a moments peace, Mr. Rogers came on the TV...
The 3-year old monster became a quiet, curious, soft spoken little boy who wanted to snuggle up next to mom on the couch and watch as Mr. Rogers sang about "his neighborhood" and invited us to be a part of it all. My son was mesmerized with this magical man. The very same man who brought me back to a place where chaos did not exist, where home was safe and nap time was a bore and all was safe and right and GOOD in the world. This magical man introduced my son to the "land of make believe" and showed him how to pick up his toys when he was done. My 'monster' watched him sing to him, and talk to him and explained that a "String Quartet" was 4 - different musicians that played instruments and then showed my lil man what they all were and how they all sounded. The little boy who exasperated me yesterday was putty in my hands, now asking for some covers. As he watched Mr. Rogers explore and share all that was around him, my little man drank it all in and finally drifted off to sleep.
All I could think of was what a tender moment we had just shared, putting aside all the craziness that life brings - and just soaking up Mr. Rogers neighborhood... reminded me again how cute, and sweet, and loving my rambuncious little man can be. I don't know if he had a clue how much I will treasure today... but it reminded me once again, why I chose to stay at home and why I love what I do - even if there are days I forget these very same things.