My son is in his first year of school and has totally bonded with a little girl in his class. They’re practically kindred spirits, and it’s the most adorable thing. They’re both about 3.5 years old.
This little girl has always been extra sweet with me. She asks me for hugs specifically, cries when I leave after drop-off, and craves attention and affection. I’ve been more than happy to give her the love she seeks—she’s sweet, adorable, and I’ve always loved kids. I’d do the same for any child.
Over the past few weeks, she’s started saying that I’m her mom. I didn’t think much of it at first, assuming it was just something kids say. I’d respond with things like, “Oh, don’t be silly!” But today, after she said it again, I casually replied, “You have a mom!”
Her response broke me. She looked at me and said, “No, I don’t. My mom lives in heaven.”
My heart shattered. This poor little girl, missing the presence of a mother in her life, had made friends with my son and latched onto me in a way I hadn’t fully recognized until now.
I knelt down and told her gently, “You still have a mommy, even if she lives in a different place. And don’t worry—you have so many friends who love you. I know your mom is watching over you and she’s so proud of you.”
I cried on the way home. I wanted nothing more than to scoop her up and be her mom, but of course, that’s not possible. It’s also made me reflect on my own fears—my son doesn’t have a dad, and I’ve always worried about how that might affect him emotionally. But I never considered how those same emotions could come from a child who isn’t mine.
I just hope she knows how special and loved she is.
