A Moment of Truth

What is a moment of truth anyway? And why am I writing about it? Well...because of Noah. Most of what I write is derived from him in some way or another. Interesting enough, it is my six year old that told me the other day he had his moment of truth. How does he know what this is anyway? I'm not even sure I know what it is! As usual, he is about to teach me.

Noah started this conversation the other day when I was emptying the dishwasher. In fact, our most intriguing conversations seem to happen when we are doing those mundane, everyday things. So I'm emptying the dishes out of the dishwasher (all the while trying to keep Moe the puppy from licking the clean plates) when Noah comes up and hugs Moe and says, "Moe - I just looove you." Moe licks Noah's face to a reception of giggles.

"Mommy, isn't Moe so cute, he just has this face that you can't help but smile at. I'm so glad I picked him for my birthday". Well, really we had already picked him out for Noah, but Noah got to meet him at the breeder and make sure they would "get along".

"Mommy, Moe is my moment of truth".

"He is? What do you mean Noah?"

"Well, he just is. Kind of like when you had your moment of truth at Grandma Betty's funeral...when you stood up in front of all those people and gave your speech. Remember, Mommy? "

"Why was this my moment of truth, Noah"?

"Well, because Mommy...you gave your speech and cried a little bit in front of all those people when Grandma passed away. But it's okay, lots of people cry a little bit when someone they love passes away".

Amazing...he was right. I guess that was a moment of truth for me. But why?

My Grandmother passed away last Spring after a long battle with Alzheimer's and other illnesses. I had said a couple years ago that I'd like to speak at her funeral. There were just a few words I had wanted to say. And I was blessed to have the opportunity to do so. I was a little nervous, but maybe not as nervous as I should be. I had prepared and written a "speech" as Noah calls it. But ultimately, when I got up to the front of the church - it just came from the heart. I was able to share some thoughts that brought smiles to the faces and tears to the eyes. I felt good that I was able to share one last moment with my Grandma.

After the service we had a reception and several people (who I didn't know) came up to me and said, "Have you ever considered being a speaker?" Of all places...how funny I was being asked this at a funeral. But it warmed my heart. See...I had thought of that before, I love to write and then speak about things, people, experiences that touch me, move me. And through this I love to move others and bring them places emotionally - whether that be laughter, tears, wonder, etc. And here of all places I had the opportunity to do so at my Grandmother's funeral.

So yes, Noah - in a crazy kinda way, giving my "speech" at Grandma's funeral was a moment of truth for me. It was an opportunity for me to share a gift with others and hear that it is appreciated. And this might just be one of the things that has given me the courage to write these entries. Thank you Noah for bringing me full circle six months later and enlightening me that I too had a moment of truth.

Perhaps one day, I'll get a chance to share them as a speaker.