We went to Mass yesterday just as we do almost every Sunday morning, but yesterday Jack did something during church that stopped us in our tracks. I’m pretty sure my husband and I both had tears in our eyes. I know I did at least.

During the regular collection and gathering of gifts, the children take coins up to a basket at the alter for our sister parish in Uganda. Jack took his one dollar bill (safer than coins for now), walked up to the basket, waited his turn, put the dollar bill in the basket, and immediately came back to our row all by himself!

Joe walked him up to the basket last week for the first time and then this week he knew exactly what to do. It was the first time I was so proud I actually felt it in my heart. It was that good ache that all parents talk about. The one George Banks talks about in Father of the Bride.

“Well, that’s the thing about life, is the surprises, the little things that sneak up on you and grab hold of you.”