Leo

  Leo will be arriving soon, I’m waiting for his train to arrive . 
I wrote this about him six year ago it’s worth a revisit

“ it’s  my nephew Leo's birthday today
He's a late teen.
He is Chris's nephew and not my blood relative and our relationship is text

 

based with a heavy biase towards adventure movies, superheroes, DVDs and tv.
I love the intermittent " conversations" we have

I'm incredibly fond of the boy who is now almost a man .

Three years ago now we took Leo to London on a shopping expedition after a booked trip to see the Star Wars exhibition at the O2. 
The trip went mighty fine. 
But I remember one moment when we crossed the road near Trafalgar Square  the noise of a nearby  group of protesters suddenly rose to a crescendo. 
I remember thinking that sudden loud noises may be a potential problem for Leo and I wondered , a bit helplessly, just what I could do to make things easier.
I need not have worried
Quietly Leo slipped his hand into mine as we crossed the road and held it firmly until we moved into a quieter part of central London.

I remember being terribly moved by this tiny but very human moment of the visit.

27 comments:

  1. Anonymous10:44 am

    The human touch, love and courage without needing words speakers volumes. Jan in Castle Gresley

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  2. Loved this sweet memory, John, and love that the two of you still see each other.

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  3. Enjoy your weekend with family.

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  4. Anonymous10:50 am

    You and Leo are bound to have a great weekend, have fun. Gigi

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  5. It's these special little moments that we add to the wonderful patchwork of our life's memories and treasure forever isn't it. Enjoy your weekend together, he may not hold your hand this time, but he will treasure your companionship. xx

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  6. Leo obviously has always felt safe with you around. That bond has grown throughout the years. A constant in his life (and yours). Have a wonderful time. xx

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  7. Have a lovely weekend with Leo John. It makes a difference with interests in common and you can just simply be John for a few precious days without having to explain yourself but just enjoying the company. That is in itself pure gold. Kindred spirits. xx

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  8. Enjoy your time together.

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  9. Leo knows he can depend on you for caring and true friendship. That's pretty special.

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  10. Have a wonderful time with Leo!

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  11. The Human Touch
    by Spencer Michael Free

    Tis the human touch in this world that counts,
    The touch of your hand and mine,
    Which means far more to the fainting heart
    Than shelter and bread and wine.
    For shelter is gone when night is o'er
    And bread lasts only a day
    But the touch of the hand and the sound of the voice
    Sing on in the soul always.

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  12. John, you have a gift for taking note of those very small and very special moments and giving them to us.

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  13. Leo obviously trusts you. I don't know if there is a better feeling than a small child slipping their hand into yours. It's about trust, and love, and safety.

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  14. I'm glad you have kept in touch with each other. The sister of my ex-husband has always been so kind to me even after the divorce. It means a lot to me.

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  15. Leo clearly trusted you to reach out for reassurance. You are a wonderful human to have preempted his need. Xx

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  16. A beautiful memory! Have a wonderful weekend with Leo, making more memories to recall in the years to come.

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  17. Anonymous3:03 pm

    the trust of a child is priceless, i hope you both have a great time, from julie

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  18. Barbara Anne3:16 pm

    What a sweet memory of the past and Leo's hand in yours tells all about his love for you and trust in you.
    I remember that trip y'all took to London and the amazing Star Wars exhibition you two saw.
    Have a joyous time together!

    Hugs!

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    Replies
    1. Utterly charming facial expression and outfit on that cowboy!

      Hugs!

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  19. An adorable photo. Have a great time together.

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  20. Your story about Leo is full of warmth and the quiet strength found in small gestures. It’s those moments that truly stay with us. I just shared a new travel post. I am excited for you to read it. Thank you. Happy weekend.

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  21. Happy Birthday, Leo. I hope you and your uncle have a wonderful day together. Lovely story John. Even lovelier memory. Enjoy your day and the many blessings you have in your life. Ranee

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  22. How blessed to have on another.

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  23. Anonymous8:08 pm

    Enjoy your time together! Cali

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  24. I looked back at your posts abut Leo. The bond you share is so warm and kind. I love that he visits you yearly and you share your love of films. Leo must be in is early twenties now? Is that possible? Have fun.

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