Rejection.

Archie has just turned Seven and is all into his Dad at the moment, not so much me. He just puts up with my hugs and cuddles at most. He only wants Dad to read him stories. Last night I went in to to say goodnight after his Dad had finished reading and turned out the light. I crept in. "Goodnight Archie", I said softly and hopefully, giving the little bundle a quick cuddle. He growled and out from underneath the sheets came his cross little voice, "Oh look! See this is why I can't get to sleep at night!". Which reminds me of a bit of a shameful incident a couple of weeks back. I'd counselled myself that I couldn't keep forcing hugs on Archie and would find a different way to love him until he was ready to appreciate his mum again. As I walked up the hall I decided I would not feel rejected but instead sit at his bedside and explain that much to his relief I would not be forcing cuddles on him anymore but would still be loving him and when he was ready to cuddle again to just come and get one. "Ahhh," he shrieked when he saw me come into his room and hid under the sheets. I lost my patience. "You know Archie", I said crossly, "There are some little boys in the world who don't even have a mother to cuddle them!". "Oh dear" came Col's reproach from his station at the computer. I know, I know.....