Beethoven is Beheaded
Yes, it was a sad fate for Beethoven this morning at my house. His small ceramic bust has been on display atop a piano for over 20 years now. I earned him when I was a young girl/teen through several years of a music festival program. His 8 inches paled in comparison to his 18 inch bronze, Mozart counterpart but his pure white and glossy finish gave him an air of distinction. Unfortunately for him, it wasn’t enough to save him.
As I was fixing my hair this morning I heard a sickening crash downstairs. I came down to find my son had been swinging a blanket around and knocked him off onto the tile floor. My son was no where to be seen (hiding between the couches in the corner) and Beethoven lay perfectly decapitated on the floor. The bust broke in exactly two pieces at the neck with a few chips here and there.
When I called my son he came out to meet me with his head hung low. I asked the four year old culprit if he was swinging around the blanket. He lifted his chin and said yes as his eyes filled with tears and he cried “I’m sorry mommy. I’m sorry.” I scooped him up and set him down on the couch while I cleaned up and glued Beethoven back together, all the while listening to quiet sobs and repeated apologies from the couch. He’s such a soft hearted little tyke. His reactions are always point on appropriate and sincere. He was genuinely undone by the damage he’d caused and his reaction melted away any anger I had. I love the little guy.
I had to reflect on my own reactions when I make mistakes these days. You know, I think I’ve grown a little calloused over time. I think my first reaction is to justify, rationalize or find a way to excuse my behavior or mistake and not to show sincere or instant remorse/sorrow. My daughter seems to be doing the same as she’s grown in her ability to become instantly argumentative when she gets in trouble for something and it always makes things worse for both of us. This morning I couldn’t help but see how much better the entire situation was simply by son’s appropriate and sincere reaction. So much was dispelled and corrected in that initial response. Such a simple thing that has such a powerful impact.
So Beethoven was beheaded, but he’s glued back together. Things can always be fixed, but hearts are harder to mend. It’s a worthy lesson for this mom to remember that. Maybe I can keep from losing my head the next time something bad happens.
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Like this article? 
Hey… I have one of those too–most likely from the same Festival.
I agree with you completely… Something I needed to read today.
Thanks.
Welcome! Just wish I didn’t need so many reminders myself….LOL
Comment by Laura Bybee — March 21, 2007 @ 11:14 am
Amen, sister! What an insightful post… you are very blessed to have such a sweet boy.
He is a sweetie and I’m blessed beyond measure. Don’t know what I ever did to deserve such a great family but I’m glad they’re mine!
Comment by Mary (mert) — March 21, 2007 @ 11:19 am
OMG! I thought you were talking about that St.Bernard dog. LOL!
ROFL, we’ll save the dog this time….LOL
Comment by kailani — March 21, 2007 @ 11:50 am
Wonderful post!
Thank you!
Comment by katkat — March 21, 2007 @ 3:22 pm
What a poignant post. We can learn so much from our kids. I, too, find ways to justify my screw-ups, rather than claiming them as exactly what they are. Maybe it’s perfectionist behavior. Maybe it’s fear. Maybe it’s trying to fit some invented role we conjure in our own minds.
Maybe your little guy’s just got things figured out a whole lot better than the rest of us.
Awesome post.
Thanks Kelly, I think they do have it figured out!
Comment by Pass the Torch — March 21, 2007 @ 4:34 pm
Our daughter is the same way. Instead of a five minute time out, she screams and cries her way to a 20+ timeout. Too bad we’re not born with wisdom and have to learn it through our kids.
Nice to know I’m not alone in the parenting woes - well said!
Comment by Daddy Forever — March 21, 2007 @ 8:17 pm
[…] Holly’s posts are positive, family-focused, and authentic. My Perfect Post nomination for March is Beethoven is Beheaded. Holly expresses her awareness about personal imperfections, in a way we could all learn from. […]
Pingback by Pass The Torch » March Perfect Post Award — April 1, 2007 @ 7:33 pm
I should put that up on my bathroom mirror: Things can always be fixed, but hearts are harder to mend
What a great idea!
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Pingback by Petroville » Blog Archive » A Perfect Post-March ‘07 — April 1, 2007 @ 10:45 pm