It happened halfway up the hill. My son’s shoe came undone again—his fourth time stopping. I could feel the familiar prickle of impatience rising behind my eyes. We were already cutting it close. My brain was running faster than my feet: deadlines, groceries, laundry, emails.
But I crouched anyway. Tied the laces slowly.
He rested his hand on my shoulder as I did it.
It was so gentle. Absentminded. Trusting.
Like he knew I’d be there to steady him.
In the middle of my hurry, that one touch stilled me.
My breath slowed. My thoughts did too.
It wasn’t the knot that mattered. It was the pause.
The warmth. The reminder: not all things need to be rushed to be done well.
🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻
Beautiful memory. Thanks for sharing. ❤️