What I gave him this year...

This year, on the birthday of my newly turned two-year-old son, Lorenzo I looked around the house, and I wondered what I could give a boy who is so lovely, has such spirit, loves us so deeply and has such fire.

As I swept the floor and set up the balloons, I asked myself, does my two-year-old really care if the floor is swept? And it led me down the path of - what am I really giving him this year on his birthday?

I often feel that my strongest desire for him, and all my kids, is that they know they are safe, loved and that they live in a Holy environment. That they eat well, that they know that their Papa and I would do anything to keep them alive, strong and protected. That they constantly strive for brotherly love between them.

Most importantly, I know my job is to show them the love of God. So maybe sweeping the floor can do that, maybe giving extra gifts can do that, maybe extra patience every day, even though right now I need that patience often, just a little bit, or an extra squeeze, or a smile, could be the best gift I can give him.

The Roman family

So, I keep trying. Although sweeping the floor with a two and four-year-old is something akin to shoveling while there is an extreme snowfall warning in effect, I do believe it shows the depth of our love. And even though every corner of the house, don’t be fooled, every corner is filled with dust, but as the main area is clean, this should reflect my love.
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The big moment came when I asked myself - What did he give me this year?

Lorenzo, you constantly give me lessons in humility. You challenge my every thought about myself as a patient, extra loving, non-yelling person. You make me laugh at how much you already understand humour and silliness and intonation. You melt my heart when you ask me to “cudo” you each night in your big-boy bed. I am awed by your ability to express yourself to anyone, and everyone who’ll listen and I look up to your courage and heart-on-sleeve passion.

So, I’d say this year when it comes to your birthday gifts, you gave me many more gifts than I could’ve ever purchased for you.

I can’t wait to see your pushed-out, soother-toothed smile, hear your lisp and feel your pudgy fingers around my neck tomorrow morning. I can't wait to brush your screamed-out tears off of your dry cheeks and help you “boow nose peas” when it drips. I pray I will find the grace that I’m certain God is providing me, to be extra patient with your loud voice and big emotions and help your brother and Papa, to do the same.

You are my love baby, my Valentine’s Day reminder to have extra love in my heart and I can’t wait to sweep the floor out of love for you again tomorrow.
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Papá (Sebastian), Elias and I love you so much we could just “ea chew”. We love every moment of you. And I love that my call in life is to live the little things for you with great love, sanctity and joy. Thank you for challenging me always and keeping me in check with my pride. I love being your Mama. 

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Written by Cyra Roman, parishioner of St. Peter's Parish in Calgary