To the Moon & Back

Jack, age 5, future astronaut

I'm sure you've heard it. I see it all over the place. A few simple words that carry a weight of emotions: I love you to the moon and back.

Well, I've never thought it would carry such a literal meaning until this week. If you have a young child or have spent any length of time around one, you know they can be indecisive. My five-year-old son is no different, especially when it comes to future occupations.

It wasn't too long ago, he was frustrated at the thought of being unprepared to follow in his daddy's footsteps. And even more recently, he declared he'd have three jobs when he grew up. One would be a doctor, one would be fighting bad guys and the third would be driving an ice cream truck. I asked him if he'd give me free ice cream. He said, "I will if I see you."

Well, this week, he's decided he's going to be an astronaut. I, of course, haven't had the heart to tell him our nation's space program has been all but shut down. Instead, we've been encouraging and assured him he can do anything he wants to do.

Looking for a chance to encourage him, I assured him that astronauts must know how to read. He sighed, but agreed he could continue learning. Josh informed him that astronauts have to do a lot of math, as well. So, yesterday, when he emerged from quiet time, he snuggled up to me and said, "okay, I'm ready to practice some math." We spent 20 minutes doing simple addition and subtraction.

Today while riding in the car he asked, "Mom, do astronauts have to know left from right?" I assured him they do. He said, "probably so they can get to the moon!"

Oh, sweet boy, I really do love you to the moon and back. And, who knows, you may just be up there one day!