I think Monkey Boy is unfurling. Actually I know he is.

Not a day goes by, that he doesn’t say something that stops me in my tracks and making me turn my head to listen, really listen to him. I can’t keep up with the rate his brain is racing at. Some where along the lines he’s leaving the baby boy behind and turning into a real boy.

Questions that make me stop and consider my answers. Not answers easily rolling off my tongue, as say the wrong thing and I know it will be back to bite me.

He unfurls a little more.

Seemingly uninterested in a conversation he will come back hours after, having considered every part and now has come up with his own conclusion.

He told us recently in a matter-of-fact tone, he didn’t want to be bothered by dying. He really loved our family, and that every one should eat a good diet to be as healthy as possible, so we could live as long as possible.

Those bread rolls look really tasty in the cake shop but Mama your’s are a lot better for us, so we should eat them.

The other day he saw a man on a push scooter. We were both excited by it as it was different to the usual kinds. He thought about it and then said…” when the man’s finished with his scooter and doesn’t want it any more, maybe he will leave it on the street and then we can have it. Then we move, we can leave our other scooters that we don’t need anymore on the street for someone who needs them too. Do you think that’s a good idea?”

I think that’s a great idea.

He’s reading and doing simple maths. They both suddenly clicked and I am so glad I’m there to see it. Watching it all suddenly make sense. Seeing that twinkle in his eye and excitement wash over his face when he realises he can work things out for himself. Not because he’s been made to, but because he wants to.

Makes my heart swell with love, pride and so many other emotions that I dare to pack into it…

This week he starts school. Looking so proud in his new uniform, his excitement is contagious.

He’s getting ready to unfurl just a little more.