On Friday evening Abe went to a hockey game with his team while the kids and I baked banana bread and watched Coco. During the emotional climax when Miguel starts singing to his Grandma Coco, Mary started shuddering next to me. I turned and discovered tears streaming down her face. As the song progressed Mary started to sob, reaching underneath her little red glasses to wipe away her crocodile tears.
Then Mary buried her head in me and wailed, and my heart just melted. I also felt stricken with remorse and grief, because I realized in that moment that for two years I have been assuming Mary’s frequent meltdowns were something she could control. I don’t know why I’ve been so stupid, but as I watched her tender heart break for movie characters, I realized that Mary is genuinely sensitive and needs tender treatment.
I spent the rest of the evening petting, hugging, and cuddling with all of the kids. After the movie was over I let them eat warm banana bread while we all had silly conversations. I marveled at how beautiful they all are.
I am so lucky to be their mom.