Sleepy eyes closed. Small fingers drew his favorite blanket up to his chin. I can't even remember what it was now... but I had forgotten to do something for him. I've heard the words spoken often... because I am so very human. Beautifully they are offered without a need for me to even apologize first. "It's ok, Mama. I forgive you." In the dim light this time came added whispered little boy words I will never forget, "I will always forgive you."
I was motionless. Vision clouded through brimming eyes. Chills down my spine. I stroked his forehead as I sat down on the wheel of his little blue race car bed. "Oh, Noah. Thank you." I could scarcely breathe the words. "I'll always forgive you, too, Buddy."
His eyes were still closed, but a smile spread across his face like soft morning light.
I don't know how much a little four-year-old absorbed from what was shared next. But my heart needed to pour it out. "Buddy, I will always forgive you. And I will always love you. That's called unconditional love. It means that no matter what I do, or what you do, we will always love each other and forgive each other. No matter what. I love you with that kind of love."
"Me, too, mama." His eyes are closed. His face is soft. Dreams come soon.
Unconditional love. It is elusive and rare, increasingly so. But like the diamonds which sometimes represent that love... it is precious, of highest value, and unbreakable.
From my heart,
Susan
