Emotional Deposits

My 11 year old son, Bryce, is off to camp today with his 5th Grade Class.  We spent last night and this morning packing just the right things, and of course I snuck in some bottle waters, snacks, etc.

On the short 4 minute drive to school to drop him off with his suitcase/backpack/sleeping bag, Bryce asks me a question, "MOM, What's it like having a Kid???"  I kinda chuckled and told him it would take a long time to explain.  He replies, "No Mom, what's it like having a Kid, like right now?  Is it HARD?".  My immediate response was, "No Bryce, it's not Hard!  Not with you it's not!".  I proceeded to tell him that he was the "center of my Universe" and that my life is dedicated to making him a happy and successful person.  He thanked me for that.  I told him that while some parents might have children that give them trouble and it stresses them some, he makes it easy for me.  He is well behaved, sweet and loving, has a big heart, makes excellent grades and I'm just so darn proud of him.  He is a God-loving child and he shares that with others.  I love to hang out with him, talk with him....I can't wait for when he gets home for school or the next time I see him.   I ended it by telling him that I love him more than my own life, I would give my life for his, and that I know he loves me back.  And that is the greatest reward in life.  I also let him know that I know his Dad feels the same way.

By the short time we got to school, Bryce had a huge smile on his face.  We had to rush to get his suitcase out of the car as there was a line of cars behind us to drop off.  In our hurry, I forgot to hug him good-bye.  But then as I drove off, I realized our conversation was more HUG than I could ever give him.  He has a HUGE EMOTINAL DEPOSIT to his life account.  Tears came to my eyes as I was overwhelmed with love for Bryce.  I realized there aren't going to be many more opportunities for conversations like that as he gets older, more independent.  Joe reminded me this morning of how quickly he will grow up and how important those Emotional Deposits are.  I remember my friend, Linda McKissack, reminding me of the same type of thing one day, and I haven't forgotten it. 

There are so many kids that were dropped off today in a rush.  Did they head off to camp feeling an emotinal deposit like Bryce did?  Shouldn't they?  Isn't that what helps develop them?  Give them confidence?  My wish is for every child to know they are loved like Bryce does and for them to have a bank account filled with Emotional Deposits!!!