I wrote this for Seth a few years ago. It still fits, so I’ll share it again.

Also, this is a picture from this summer. I’ll share the story in another post. (At the risk of sounding batshit crazy.)

For now you only need to know… there was a badly injured squirrel in the grass. Seth brought an umbrella for shade. Spoke softly. Knowing it was probably dying… but not wanting it to be alone.

That’s quintessential Seth.

————

And now it is the day of the son.
I have one of those too.
Maddening, stubborn,
Wild. Intense.

But in a breath and a turn

You are, also,
Unceasingly empathetic,
Kind.
”Pet the cat.” ”Scratch the dog.”
“Help me save this caterpillar from the sun.”

Always a rock in your palm or pocket waiting for me. “Mom - I found this. For you. See this spot is smooth. This part is sharp. For you.”

And each night down the stairs again. Another rock-a-bye and one book more.

Nestle in, my boy. For we are a puzzle that only fits together this way for a season.