For those of you who know Caden well, you will not be surprised that his name means "strong warrior". He is all boy! He plays hard and rough and he is extremely strong willed! But behind all that toughness is a tender, loving spirit and that part of him manifested itself in such a wonderful way the day we received the news about our transition.
Caden had been down the street at our best friends' home while Aaron broke the news to me (and yes, they literally lived down the street). After tons of tears, we packed up and headed to pick up our little man.
I know he did not fully understand what was happening but what he did understand was profound. Caden could see and sense the hurt in the air.
The tears kept coming for us most of the afternoon and into the evening as the finality of what we faced really set in. And in a moment I will never forget, Caden approached his daddy, wiped his tears and offered up his most treasured possession, a blue blanket he named Biddy.
Biddy is extremely dear to Caden. He sleeps with it, travels with it, eats with it. It has been a source of comfort for him for almost all of his two years. To give up his Biddy is big.
My son was willing to give up something that he holds on to for comfort because he saw someone he loved hurting. This simple act was instinctive, sacrificial, and compassionate.
So the questions I'm left to wrestle with are am I willing to give up my most treasured possessions for those I see hurting? Do I instinctively give sacrificially? Am I driven by compassion?
 |
| Caden & Biddy |
In the months since that day, Caden has been a source of tremendous joy. He is still Caden...crazy and energetic but he is constantly showing us love and affection. He gives great kisses and hugs (when you can catch him), he helps put Brynna's paci back in when she is crying, and is sensitive to the hard moments even now. I know this transition has been hard on him too but he is adjusting better than I could have ever hoped.
Caden,
You are truly a blessing to me! Thank you for being you! I hope that someday you will understand how much your simple acts of love and compassion have meant to me...especially on the hard days. You are a joy and my heart overflows with love for you. I pray that God will help us know how to soften the rough edges of your strong will while we cultivate your sweet, tender spirit.
