It’s funny how my nephew, Lucas, has only been on this planet for almost three years now, yet I can’t imagine my life without him. He has changed our little family dynamic in such huge ways that it really does blow my mind. Before he was here I used to imagine how many things I could teach the baby-to-be (we didn’t know he was a Lucas before his much anticipated, albeit early arrival), and all the things I would get to experience with him (or her). Little did I realize then that this tiny creature would be teaching me as many things as I teach him. It sounds silly to say that a not-yet three year-old has taught me anything at all, but if you think about it, we can all learn from children his age.
First of all, Luke doesn’t ever judge me, or anyone else. He loves me whether I’m fat, skinny, with makeup, au-naturel, dressed up, in yoga pants, or any other way I present to him. He just knows I’m Auntie and I am always full of snuggles for him. He knows I’ll get down on the floor and play cars, color, or do “oga” (yoga) with him. This might be the cutest thing ever as he puts himself in downward dog under my downward dog, and then he looks up at me and says “hi!”. Then we even do namaste, and open our arms super wide when he says “open sesame!”. The lesson here is quite clear. At three years old he doesn’t judge anyone based on anything more (or less) than the love he feels. I always think about what he will be like in the future and I’m hoping that this quality sticks with him so that he can continue to teach others, specifically his peers that love is what counts, and love comes from the inside of a person, not from outward appearances.
“oga”, Lucas-style.
Another thing Luke has reminded me of is how to be considerate of others. One time he was so excited that I was going to read him a book that he threw the book up on the couch before hoisting himself up. The book hit me in the leg and before we could read the story, he insisted on kissing my leg because he was concerned that he hurt me. Similarly, when my foot was in a boot because of my broken toes, he couldn’t kiss my boo boo enough. I have been practically knocked over in crowded places (thanks to balance issues related to MS), and no one even acknowledges that fact, but a three year-old would.
He loves lining his cars up in different formations. My sister-in-law is so funny when she sends us these pictures, she sometimes says that she will leave the room for a minute and come back to a “Blair-Witchy” scenario!
Luke also eats when he’s hungry, drinks when he’s thirsty, and stops when he’s done. Most adults unlearn this behavior somewhere along the way which is why there is a growing epidemic of obesity.
When he thinks something is funny he laughs. Not just a normal laugh. A contagious belly laugh. He’ll ask me to tickle him, beg me to stop then ask for more. You know why? Because it feels damn good to laugh! The other night we were FaceTiming and he was cracking himself up because the answer to every question we asked him was “poopy”. It reminded me of being able to laugh wildly and without abandon, as we all should because it feels so much better than not laughing. It’s reassuring to me that this is pretty much proof positive that he will not be afraid of laughing at silly things like fart humor, even when he is an adult.
Perhaps the thing that I have learned the most from this little boy is to be happy. He takes joy in the little things. On a simple nature walk with his mommy he said that he was having “too much fun”. Or if the mail carrier honks and waves, he thinks it’s great and it makes him happy.
I’m just the aunt and my experiences with high school kids in my former life as a teacher were different, yet equally rewarding in other ways. As far as my little Lukey goes, I’d like to wrap him up in bubble wrap, protecting his little (but powerful) spirit, and bottling up all the sweet lessons he has taught me as a reminder for his future self. But because he has me, I promise to always be there to remind him, even when he’s a teenager and he no longer thinks his auntie is cool. If you find yourself at a loss and need reminders about how beautiful simple, every day life is, spend some time with a three year-old like Lucas. His lessons have been invaluable to me, and I will treasure them always.
