A Date with my Son

Is that the time? I think to myself as the clock stares back at me unflinchingly. It is 11 am. I thought it was eight. But I am still tired from last night’s singing.

You see, lately, Tebogo has taken to watching television and he seems to love a particular commercial which always leaves him awestruck. When it airs and he is not done with feeding, then we might as well kiss the meal goodbye. He watches TV like a surgeon ready for a key operation. And since he made his first baby steps, he seems to know just where to stand to get the best view. With his feet together, his hands on his head and a heavenly grin on his face, Tebogo will not be interrupted.

As I look at him, I am grateful for how far we have come and with every development in his life. I pray that he will be the best man with a deep belief in himself. ‘Mah-me (mummy),’ he says gleefully as he points at the beautiful lady on the television, his chubby fingers a comical sight for me.

‘Yes Baba,’ I say, and that startles him back to reality, that his mum is not the beautiful and slender woman on television-she is right inside the room.

But what I learn from this event is that Tebogo actually thinks very highly of me. The world may not hold me in high regard, but I know one little man who does. Since the shock of being told I am expecting again, I have been all over the place feeling sorry for my pregnant self, but my son’s obvious adoration for me lifts my spirits.

‘Mah-me!’ He exclaims again, as he raises his frame for me to pick him up, a wide smile spreads across my now chunky face. He giggles as I nibble at his ear, swirling in an eternal dance with him where the music is only heard in our hearts.

I now understand the love that is inexplicable, knowing how I feel about being Tebogo’s mother. The guilt of my new pregnancy fades away as I remember that he needs someone his size to play with. Now that gives me an idea – why not celebrate this new feeling? Because we are in it together anyway.

I change him into something comfortable from the rompers he has been donning. ‘Today, we are going out my dear. And not just anywhere, but to savour Chinese, Indian or Ethiopian cuisine: I say to him. Oh, I am in love with my date – a little man who cannot pullout the seat or hold the door open for me; but I know one day he will and for that I love him. So just today, let us celebrate our love, let us go out just my son and I. In any case, when will he know how to treat a woman if he is not shown how?

END:  BL 38/44