Dandelions

          Recently my two and four year old sons, came up to me with the kind of sweet eagerness that only young children possess, holding freshly picked dandelions. Being the younger two of my four children, this was not the first time I had been given dandelions. However, on this occasion, it was a moment where time seemed to stand still, as memories flowed through my mind; dandelions took on a whole new meaning.

          This is not to say that I’ve never cared for receiving dandelions from my children, rather, honestly speaking, I feel that I probably rushed through those moments; I didn’t stop and savor them. I just smiled, thanked them, and went on. But this time was different, I allowed myself to embrace the sweet innocence and tender thoughtfulness my sons were showing to me. I stopped to recall memories as they came back to me and smiled as my mind was on rewind. I took a picture of the now said dandelions to record this moment of deeper understanding. And now I’m writing a blog post about dandelions, because the more I’ve thought about them and the times my children have brought them to me, the more my appreciation of them has grown. 

         The special innocence of children is no secret. Specifically I’m referring to the kind of innocence they exhibit from about ages 2-4. (Give or take a couple ;) They are old enough to understand kindness as doing something nice for somebody else. However, they have not cognitively matured to the point of being able to fully think through their act of kindness to the person or situation; for example, dandelions. My sons know that I love flowers. At this age they see small yellow weeds growing in the lawn and conclude they’re flowers and pick them because mom likes flowers. They are eager to please and are thoughtful to take the time to pick them and bring them to me. I react in smiles and thankfulness for their kindness and seeing how eager to please they are warms my heart.

         This particular window of innocence lasts only a few short years. Soon they will learn of the yellow flowers true identity as noxious weeds and will no longer pick them. And with that newly gained knowledge means no more picked dandelions for me.

          For me, dandelions now represent a stage of special childhood years. This is a stage of sweet innocence and an eagerness for kindness. Thinking through this I’ve also realized that dandelions are not alone. During this stage there are many more acts of kindness from my children. They want so much to help and be part of! Mundane household chores are exciting and fun to them! Singing songs while cleaning up messes seems magical, and any time I need an extra hand, those tiny hands appear lightning fast! Common phrases such as, “Me do it, I do it myself, Let me, let me!” are heard daily; but so are, I help you mommy, I find it for you, I’m here, and Here’s a flower for you mommy.

        Especially now that my older children are clearly past this stage, I try harder to cherish this time with my two younger boys. Toddler years are very trying and tiring. With all the spills, ego struggles, temperament guiding, and foundation forming, their birthdays are as much of a celebration to me (we survived!) as they are for them. But now I have hindsight and greater wisdom. Those chubby fingers are so eager to show kindness to me, their tender hearts are full of forgiveness and unconditional love, and their rapidly developing brain still thinks I’m the smartest person there is. How could I not love dandelions??   

---Dalynne