As a parent, I have encountered many full circle moments. Things that my parents told me as a kid that would happen once I became a dad have—in fact—happened. One small example of this is the book “Love You, Forever.” I remember my mom reading this to me as a child and struggling to get through the whole book. When a parent gets emotional, it is something you remember. When I questioned my mom about why she was crying, she told me it was something I would understand once I got older.
When Sloan was young, I read “Love You, Forever” and definitely felt what my mom was talking about. Last night, I read the book to Beau and, like my mom, struggled to finish. It seems like as each year passes, it takes more and more of an emotional toll on me.
I thought tonight I would reflect on four of the pages in “Love You, Forever” that really tug at my heartstrings. I know I usually organize most of my blog posts in groups of five but I needed to give Sloan and Beau an equal number of chances to hold the book. So here we go…
Our copy of “Love You, Forever” resting on the couch.
Aging – This spread comes about halfway through the book and stands out to me because of the mom’s appearance. Whereas the son ages each time you turn the page, this is the first time the mom looks noticeably older. Last night, Beau said “Is that a grandma?” Those of us older than 4 can tell it isn’t a grandmother but rather the mom at a different stage in her life. The bright smile and energy is still there, but the page chronicles the reality of aging—even of moms.
This spread is the first one to really show the mom’s aging. It conveys a fact of life.
The Call – This spread is very emotional. The son is going about his life and then receives a call that stops him in his tracks. You can tell the concern on his face. The mom’s request for him to come visit her is so sweet, brave, and sad. And then the page really brings the tears. The mom can’t finish singing the song because she is “too old and sick.”
A sad call to take. The mom not being able to finish the song is devastating.
No Words – In my opinion, I don’t even think the author needed to include words on this page. With roles completely reversed, the son cuddles his mom in his arms while sitting in the rocking chair. It is the ultimate display of an adult child returning the love, care, and guidance he was given. Again, the illustration says it all.
Roles are reversed as the son finishes the song.
Thoughts – Many of you might think it is strange that I find this spread the most impactful of the book. However, it just hits me. The author nails it with the single sentence he uses: When the son came home that night, he stood for a long time at the top of the stairs. Even the cat looking at him knows the sadness filling his soul. The author doesn’t need to tell us his mom has passed, we can just share in his grief. Poignant and touching.
This spread hits the hardest for me in the entire book.
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“Love You, Forever” is a classic. Beyond the emotion it invokes, it conveys so much about the cycle of life, parenting, and paying it forward. Do you have a favorite scene or theme from the book? Don’t Blink.
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