The rewards we reap...

Hans has been through a lot in the last few weeks; I felt that it might cheer him up if we hung out together and have some mom-son time.

One of the communities in our neighbourhood invited the rest of us to attend an event for children that took place at Nathan Phillips Square over the weekend. Hans wasn't exactly enthusiastic about it, but I insisted. Couple of his classmates also extended the invitation to him. I wanted us to be good neighbours. I wanted him to show support to his classmates.

So, we set off together. From the moment we started walking toward the bus stop, Hans started complaining.

Why can't dad drive us? I am tired already.

I refused to listen and kept going.

Can we be there for 5 minutes and then come back home?

I agreed.

We got off at Dundas subway station. Dundas used to be my station when I worked. Just seeing it brought back wonderful memories. I tried to remember the best way to get out and walk to Nathan Phillips Square.

Hans started complaining again.

My feet are tired. Let us go back home!

As we found a way to get to Bay Street, my memories literally flooded me. I felt like I had gone back in time. I felt young and energetic.

Hans wanted to rest a bit.

The boy sounded so whiny. I wanted to sit him down and let him know that I gave up a life from another time and traded it with this one that is listening to him complain about walking to an event! Is that a good trade?!

That was a terrible thought, however not worth a second thought. I am not perfect; but I am certainly not mean. I felt bad for a moment and then I decided to let it go!

Instead, I shared my memories with him. It kept him occupied and we got to the event. Not surprisingly, we ended up staying almost 2 hours. We had a late lunch and hopped on a train at Dundas to get back home.

The boy did not complain at all.

Later that day, while he was brushing his teeth, he wanted to know how I am such a good parent?! He was genuine and so kind. I felt terrible that I even had a momentary thought about trading this life for a past life!

I told Hans I am not such a good parent. However, the boy insisted. He told me it was a great idea to go support our neighbours and his classmates. He said he had fun. And then, he paid me the ultimate compliment...he told me that I am Wonder Woman! Then he followed that with, "That's because you have good parents! Grandpa is Superman and Grandma is the original Wonder Woman!"

I couldn't argue with his excellent superhero logic.

And I wouldn't trade him for anything.

Note: Boys, if you ever get upset and think terrible thoughts or say mean words, and then feel bad about it…at least, you can blame it on genetic predisposition; at most, you can own up to your words and apologize. No one is perfect and there is always room for improvement. Take care out there!