em·pa·thy
[em-puh-thee] Show IPA
noun
1.
the intellectual identification with or vicarious experiencing of the feelings, thoughts, or attitudes of another.
Last week, when we were leaving my mother's house, I asked Russ if we could go to the cemetery to see my father's headstone. We had the dogs with us, and when they are in the car, they like to roam all over the van. It was easier to let them sit in the front passenger seat rather than get stressed about them roaming all over the car. I was sitting in the middle row of the van with Elijah. When we got to the cemetery, everyone stayed in the car except for me. My father is buried next to my memere and pepere, and when I got to their headstones, I started picking the weeds that had surrounded all the dead flowers. With the current heat wave, the flowers didn't stand a chance. So I was there for a few minutes picking the weeds, and I went back to the car to get an empty travelers coffee cup. I got some water, and watered the flowers. When I went back to the van and got buckled in, my husband told me that Aiden (4 years old) was asking why were here, etc. He explained to him that the cemetery is a place to remember those that have gone to heaven. Aiden proceeded to tell me, "Momma, I don't like this place." I responded, "Me too buddy, me too." After which, I choked up.
You see- I am believe my dad is with me every day and surrounds me and he really isn't at the cemetery. But something about this visit and Aiden's word, that got me all choked up. I started to cry. I was quiet about it but I was certainly crying a bit. Elijah just quietly reached over to me and held my hand. No words, just held my hand.
Folks, it was in that quiet moment that my heart smiled. My son loves me, and in his gentle gesture, I was also encouraged. We have taught my boy empathy. What a sweet little boy.
