This morning my boy, Diego, shoved this into my hands on the way out the door to school. He said, "Here. I made this yesterday. It has a magnet on it so you can hang it on the refrigerator." I ooo'd and ahhh'd over it and told him thank you. I gave him a hug and a kiss and sent him off to school.
I have smiled every time I have walked past my belated Valentine's gift because it reminds me of the sweetheart I have in Diego. In years past, he would have excitedly presented it to me, first thing after school. I know what is happening because I have lived it before. Soon enough, I'll be lucky enough to receive a mumbled, "...Hey." and maybe he'll even kiss his hand and then touch my shoulder in an awkward translation of "I love you, mom."
Normally these sentiments would leave me heavy hearted but, today, this gift serves a dual purpose. Not only will it be a reminder of the sweetness I know and that, while it might fade, it will only be hiding. It will never leave. I also know that it will serve as reminder that sometimes, most of the time, late really IS better than never......
