Little Boys Cannot Fly!

Dear Robby,

I know that you love birdies. They look so pretty high up in the sky, flying around. I know that you want to be able to fly like a bug and go through the clouds. It would be a lot of fun to fly around. Mommy wishes that she could fly, too.

But Robby, you cannot fly. No matter how many times you stand on the top of your race car bed bookshelf to try to get more height. No matter how hard you flap your arms. No matter how high you jump. People cannot fly.

Robby, you have sustained multiple bumps and bruises pursuing your dream of flying. While I admire your gumption, I must ask you to stop. This morning you hurt yourself, and Mommy was scared.

You tried to fly again this morning, but you missed your landing pad. You landed on your foot and hurt yourself. You weren't able to walk and you were in pain. Your ankle was swollen and red, and I was worried that you broke it.

Mommy is very sensitive when it comes to foot issues. I ultimately lost my foot because of a seemingly benign injury. I am always going to worry when an injury occurs to your foot that you might suffer the same fate. I know it sounds silly; the chances of you sustaining an amputation are minuscule. Statistically, I should still have my foot. I don't trust fate. You scared Mommy!

Because of your unsuccessful flying attempt you had to go see the doctor. You don't have a broken ankle, but you do need to stop trying to soar "high high up." Mommy doesn't want you to get hurt.

You hobbled around all day, and your foot is now starting to feel better. Why then, after everything we went through today, after all of our discussions, did I find you perched on the top of your race car bed, looking guilty and clutching a feather duster? Your idea of needing feathers to fly is a good one, but you are incorrect. You don't need feathers in order to fly. Little boys cannot fly. Please stop trying. Mommy already has enough grey hair, and it is becoming difficult to keep it colored!

Love, Mommy