first National Anthem

Just the other day we taught our son what to do when he hears the National Anthem.

As my husband leaned in the doorway to our son’s bedroom, I sat on his race car bed with him and I asked him what Daddy told him to do when he heard the National Anthem. He told me that he would put his hand over his heart. He then asked us why and we explained to him that it was the song for our nation, the United States of America. We continued to explain to him that America is the country that we are from and Daddy fights for because in some countries kids don't have food, race car beds, freedom, or toys.

He seemed to understand as much as a 5yr could.

The next morning I downloaded the National Anthem and played it for him. He immediately put his hand over his heart, and like a loyal side kick, his sister stood next to him and did the same.

An hour later I found myself holding back tears at my husbands WLC graduation when our son not only stood proudly with his hand over his heart as that beautiful song filled the gym, but he switched his hands so that he was able to hold his little sister’s hand at the same time.

It was such a moment of pure connection of love and protectiveness between the two of then and that memory will forever be etched into my heart.