The Tulip Thief

Last Wednesday was a crazy day for me. That was the day I was at Hans' school to take some last minute photos for the Yearbook. I scheduled an hour for it and ended up staying almost 3 hours. Got home to have a quick late lunch and went back for pickup. Y's boys and Hans wanted to hang out, and so the boys had a play date after school. Then, we were at my brother's for a family gathering that lasted till almost 11 pm. When we got home was when I noticed the 2 tulips on the dining table!

I was ready to scream, but held myself in check; slowly walked up the stairs to the washroom where Hans was brushing his teeth and asked him what the heck were those 2 tulips all about?! He smiled the biggest toothpasty smile and said through some toothpasty bubbles that they were for me! Nope, my Momley heart did not melt from this declaration. Instead, I wanted to know all the details. Within a couple of minutes I found out he plucked them from a neighbour's backyard. Apparently, he only plucked one and the other was plucked by Y's younger one who is 6. Obviously, the latter was simply following in the older delinquent's footsteps!

As is my nature, I had to have a talk and let the boy know that we might have some disgruntled neighbours. At that point in time, Hans also revealed that someone saw them doing the deed and commented that some children do not know how to behave! Now that meant, I have to track down 2 sets of neighbours to apologize for my child's stealing tendencies. I might have said that out loud. Hans got all worried and concerned that he might have to go to jail. It was midnight before he went to sleep.

The next day morning, I let him sleep in. As we walked to school, I brought it up again; a little gently this time. I let him know that I appreciated the tulip; however, I don't need flowers to make me happy. I don't need any material anything from him ever to make me happy. I just enjoy spending time with him; like our walks to and from school. Even in the future, when he can walk to school by himself or when he is no longer at home, I would prefer if he called me or wanted to spend some time with me. That's all I need to make me happy.

As per his nature, he wanted to know if there is anything that he could buy for me?! He really insisted on it. This boy does not give up easily. For someone who was discouraging material purchases for herself, it didn't take me long to come up with what I wanted him to buy for me! I looked at his little eager face and told him that he could buy me an umbrella! He smiled at my answer and said that he would buy me the most expensive umbrella. I told him that all I want is a light, sturdy and strong umbrella. Hans was happy to have an answer from me and it also made the most sense to him.

I have a history of losing umbrellas. Those are the only things I lose and since I walk, those are quite essential to have. Recently, I lost my most favourite umbrella and have been quite upset with myself. It was almost therapeutic for me to talk about my loss with my little guy. He patiently listened to my sob story and then, we got to school.

As I walked back home, I felt a little ridiculous as I could go and buy an umbrella for myself. And as I finish writing this post, I feel like I should have titled it "The Umbrella Loser". But then again, who would want to read a post with that title?!