To My Children: My First Real "I'm Sorry"

Dear Caden,

I got my first real apology from you today.  You were trying to put our crayon box up on a shelf that you couldn't quite reach.  I saw you and tried to stop you, but you ended up dropping the box and it's 100 or so crayons all over the floor.  Many crayon tips broke in the process and you just slowly backed away from the mess and dropped the box as you looked at the pile of crayons and bits.  Then when I moved in and said, "Let's clean up the mess together" you said these words, never taking your eyes off the crayons... "I'm sorry Mom."

My.

Heart.

Melted.

Into.

My.

Shoes.

You weren't crying or embarrassed or upset.  You were just, sorry.  And you said what was in your heart.  This is a very important thing, sweet boy.  For now and for always.  You see, some... no, ALL of my favorite men in the whole wide world are so strong, so brave and so full of love that they say they're sorry too.  And they mean it.  They're not afraid of seeming weak.  They're not worried about what other people think.  They are worried about telling the truth and being real.

Be that kind of boy, and keep at it.  Until you are that kind of man too.

I love you most precious one.

Mommy