Can I Kiss Your Boo Boo Heart?

Dad:
He has always had a thing for Madeleine.
She's older, wiser and has good dance moves. So by the time he was two, he developed a pretty solid crush on Miss M.

Miss M. turned three yesterday and we all went to celebrate. Guess who didn't take a nap in anticipation? When we got to the party, things were great for while. The Slip N Slide, pool and swings provided solid entertainment for the half dozen kids who also came to the party (and provided a welcome break for all parents involved). But then!

It happened after cake and presents. His first broken heart. Aidan managed to get some one on one time with Madeleine at her new kitchen. He was watching her and simultaneously demonstrating his culinary skills.

As you can see by her face, something very terrible is about to happen. And did happen.

With one push to the chest and one loud exclamation of "No!", Aidan stood in bewilderment for 30 seconds or more not fully comprehending that he had been dissed. But then he got it. Then he was embarrassed. Then he realized this was very, very personal. His lower lip quivered. Then it lost all form. He walked in circles spiraling with emotion seeking Mom.

Once he spotted her, it was over. The tears and the crying were volcanic. She tried to console him but he said, "No!". This was very painful stuff and only he knew the pain he was feeling.Later on, when it was time to go, Miss M. made things right. But the damage was done . The residual pain still lingered in the background.

As I was hugging him and saying good night, Aidan was saying something I didn't understand. It sounded like "hat turd". I kept repeating it and asking him if that's what he was saying. He said no, "hod hurd". Then tears welled up in my eyes as well as my wife's eyes as we understood what he was saying. I asked, "Did you say, 'heart hurt'?" He leaned into me, hugged me tight, looked over my shoulder and, with a shuddering, small voice he said, "Yeah".

I held him close for a minute then put him at arms length and asked "Can I kiss your boo boo heart?" I did, then he took his mother's hand and went to bed.

When he awoke this morning I went right into him. I said "Good morning, handsome, how's you're heart?"

He said, "All better." Then he peed on the potty.