Several years ago, on a rainy Spring day, my son noticed me staring out one of the back windows. He came over and stood next to me and said, “What are you looking at Mama?” (I miss the days of being called mama!)
“I’m watching Daddy get some clippings from the snowball tree for me to bring into the house”, I replied.
“Why does he have the ladder and those long clippers?” he asked as he watched his father maneuvering around the tree.
“So that he can get the blooms that are on the top and out of Mommy’s reach. Isn’t it so romantic that Daddy would do that for me? That is love right there buddy!”
“WHAT? That’s romantic?” he said with such indignation and almost downright disgust. This boy was definitely in the ‘blech’ phase when it comes to all things lovey-dovey.
“Absolutely!” I declared.
In that moment I realized that right then and there, standing in the kitchen next to my boy I not only was looking out the window at my beloved who through rain and wind was determined to get me those flowers.
I was also looking at a window of opportunity.
Here was my chance to share with my son about love…and romance…and how it’s not like those Disney movies where all of the lovey-dovey stuff is so obvious and predictable and over the top.
I put my arm around him and said, “Here’s the thing sweetie. Daddy knows me better than anyone else on this earth. He knows how much I love that snowball tree. He remembers the time that he trimmed the branches back thinking that it would be helping it that year but instead it didn’t bloom at all and I cried and blamed him and might have called him a ‘snowball killer’.
He also remembers how the next year when it bloomed even bigger and better than ever before he didn’t say, ‘I told you so!’ but instead graciously accepted my sheepish apology for freaking out the previous year. And he and I still laugh about that. Daddy knows that every day I look out the window and see all of the enormous blossoms at the tippy top of the tree and I ache thinking that they are going to go to waste and how badly I want to bring them into the house or give them away to friends by the armful.
And, because Daddy knows me so well and loves me so much, he is out there in the rain hauling that ladder around and asking me to point out exactly which branches I want him to cut. He does that because when you love someone…really, really love them…you know them through and through. Heart and soul.”
“And that, precious son of mine, is romantic.”
He shrugged his shoulders and turned to walk away. He may or may not have mumbled, “whatever you say mom” but I was too distracted as I gazed adoringly at my husband to notice.
I turned to finish cleaning up the kitchen but a few minutes later walked back over to the window to check on the snowball clipping progress and was greeted by an incredible sight.
My boy…the same boy to whom the word ‘romance’ seemed almost repulsive, was there in the backyard.
Sitting on top of the ladder.
Pointing out the snowball blossoms he thought his dad should cut.
As he turned around and saw that I was watching him, he gave me a grin.
I sat there staring at him and marveling over the fact that the baby boy I cradled in my arms almost 11 years ago was the same big kid with the long legs dangling from his perch on the top of the ladder.
I thought about how quickly the time was passing and imagined a day in the future when his wife will be in awe at how thoughtful and loving and caring and romantic he is.
And how I will say to her, “You’re welcome!” 😉
How true and poignant. I told my daughter she can always determine the character of a man by his relationship to his Mother, and his honesty and integrity by how he treats her, his isters, and even strangers.
Great post…it made my day!
What an awesome story and those snowballs are gorgeous!
What a great post.Thank you for sharing
Who doesn’t love a love story? I don’t think I’ve ever seen a snowball tree, but since I love white, I’m sure I would love to own one. I had to laugh at your story about freaking out over the pruning, because it sounded like me. I’m sure I would’ve been doing a war dance. Thanks for sharing!
This post was the BEST! A little piece of real life, filled with all the good stuff life can hold all rolled into one. You are Blessed!
Beautiful story. It made me tear up. What a wonderful lesson on love. So happy for you he listened and got the message.
SO sweet!! thanks for sharing!
xo Heidi
What a teachable moment, straight from the “throne of grace”. You are correct in recognizing how time flies, and one day his wife will thank you for teaching him the important things in life.
Beautiful snowball tree, as well. I just bought two to plant in my yard, hoping they will survive here in Central Florida. I am going to give them a try.
I love your story today! I too love snowballs but mine are not in bloom yet in Minnesota! I suppose it is because just over a week ago we could literally make “real” snowballs. So I will enjoy the many I have dried around my home for now.
Don’t you love having a son. I have two and they continue to bless my life every single day.
I will warn you…they grow up quickly:( Our youngest will graduate college in a few weeks and then it is off to grad school mid summer.
Our oldest will be getting married in less than 8 weeks. Just wait until your son brings home the girl he wants to marry. We are being bless with an amazing daughter in law. I told her the day they were engaged that when he was a baby I would hold him and wonder what the girl would be like that he falls in love with. I would pray that she would have all the wonderful qualities of someone he would want to be with the rest of his life and most importantly love his heart as much as I did. He hit it out of the ballpark and we LOVE her to pieces. I told her that it is with honor that I give her his heart.
Don’t mean to get all mush and serious on you…your pics and story really warmed my heart today and brought back a lot of memories of the little guys that still needed mommy.
This is one of the most beautiful stories ever. Thank you for sharing!
Just loved this. Plus I didn’t know what flower this is–blush–as they do not grow here. And I get to see them in their glory from your photo. Glorious!! Your guys–oh and the huge flowers too
I love this story. Sweet. ❤️
What a beautiful message and that tree is gorgeous!
Hi What a sweet story. Love your snowball tree. Do you know the correct name of your plant and how
old is it. Do you cut it back at all anymore. Thanks
Obviously I am behind on my reading but i had to comment anyway on your beautiful post. Way to teach a lesson mom. You told him and showed him and you will deserve that thank you. I hope you get it.
Precious!! ❤️❤️❤️
I came over Thistlewood Farms.
What a lovely story. What a unique, wonderful memory your son created for you!
How sensitive and loving and perceptive he is. And your husband just set the married-guy standards really high. 🙂
Oh thank you so much for coming over and for the sweet comment!
I live in Texas and I don’t recall ever seeing a snowball tree. The blossoms are just beautiful. Thanks so much for sharing your story. I’m so glad that you are taking the time to teach your son how to love in tangible ways and to instill in him the qualities that make a truly good man.
Thank you so much Bonnie! So glad you enjoyed the story and the glimpse at my snowball tree. It is definitely a favorite! 🙂
I am so excited I just discovered your blog. A new one to add to my favorites. Also I love this sweet, sweet story you shared about the special men in your life. If I may share…..my 39 year old son still calls me mama. For Mother’s Day he took his daughters to pick out flowers for me and my mom. I was given a dozen beautiful pink roses and she received yellow. He always gives his wife flowers. He also gave me a beautiful card with the sweetest handwritten message. So I’m sure some day not only will he be a loving husband but a son who remembers his mom.
Susan I am so thrilled that you came over to say ‘hi’ and I hope we will be seeing more of you in the future! My son still calls me ‘mama’ even in front of his friends and I’m holding onto it for as long as I can but you’ve given me hope that maybe he’ll never stop. 😉 Sounds like you did a wonderful job raising your son!
Yes, time is going by way too fast! Our boys are growing into men. Sigh….love your hydrangeas!! That shrub is HUGE!
Beautiful!!!
Ah, Vanessa you did it again. Read this twice and I am bawling my eyes out.
Golly you have a way with a story. This was extra precious.
LOVE those snowballs!!!! Enjoy every single second of them! ♥
This story is a gentle and beautiful reminder the little things in life can have the longest lasting impact. Thank you so much for sharing it.
Thanks for sharing your heart with us! Such a beautiful story! Bless you! It’s always great to be able to meet you at The Picket Fence! Always look forward to your chats!