A week with William

The last two weeks have been relaxing in a no-work sort of way. I am waiting to start my orientation at a busy ER in Dallas next week. The last two weeks I have had the chance to be with William while the women of the home go off to school for one reason or another. Each day has been a blessing. William will say or do something that will bring a smile to my face or laughter to my heart. Just the other day while enjoying the sunshine at a local park William and I had a short little conversation regarding fast and slow. William went down the "big boy" slide and when I met him at the bottom he asked me, "Why didn't you catch me?" Now I have to interject here that William has gone down this slide several times without any problems, I wasn't being neglectful. I responded to his question, "You were going too fast!" As he started back up the stairs to ascend the slide he stated, "Catch me this time." I told him that he would have to go slower for me to do that and he correctly exclaimed, "Oh! Adagio, okay!" I will reference you to Disney's Little Einsteins for a complete understanding as to what would have sparked such a statement from a two year old (he is almost three).
Yesterday at lunch William quoted a favorite movie of his, A Bug's Life. He had taken two fruit snacks and placed each upon the top of two chips. He looked at me and explained they were going for a ride. Then in his gruffest voice he cried out, "Let's ride!" and proceeded to eat them. He fears those grasshoppers just as much as the ants do but when wrestling me today he told me with a furrowed face just before he charged me that he was a grasshopper.
Lest you should think that he watches too much television (and he probably does) he does reference books as well. I made some mistake, I don't remember the details, but he told me I would be in trouble (just like David) and admonished me not to make any more mistakes.
My time with William has been a joy. I see how he has grown so much over the last few years and it has been so fun to see him interact with the world around him. He loves books, parks, chasing friends. He raises hell when he has to go to bed but looks so angelic as he sleeps. Jessica and I look forward to his hugs and kisses and he often comes up to me and says, "Dad, I love you." It is hard to be upset with William for very long.
In a week I start my orientation and I will have to deliver my son into the care of a sitter. I know she takes amazing care of William and he loves going to her house and playing with her daughter (same age). It is going to be hard to give up this time with him though. I find great joy in my son and am grateful to have this time with him. As this week draws to a close I sense the stress ebbing back into my life. I have my board exam in early February in the middle of an intense nursing residency. I will look back at these memories, and many others, to see me through the challenges. For this is why I am pushing myself out of my comfort zone, these are the reasons I work where and as I do, so that I can enjoy and create new experiences with my family. This week with William has been a blessing.