"HE'S AN OLD SOUL"

In the last few days I have had this constant thought of sharing with you some of the many act of kindness I have caught Lota do or the sweet words he says to others to help them feel better.  But each time I let it pass by and move on.  Today that same thought came again and it was impossible to ignore.

Let me start here:

On the last day of school (last week Thursday) Lota did one of the most selfless thing I have ever seen an 8 year old boy do.  As a goodbye gift, Lota neatly signed his name on his Park City Wild Half medal and gave it to his teacher. I stood there trying my best to hold back tears, as this sweet woman held my little Lota as she wept tears of love for a boy she's grown to love and treasure this schoolyear.  My heart was about to burst for both of them.  Lota loves his teacher.  Ms. Bird loves and cares for Lota so much.  I have felt it.

Of the many wonderful things she said about Lota that day, I will always remember this.

"He's an old soul", she said while trying to hold back her tears. It was impossible. We both cried.  We cried tears of gratitude, hope and love for Lota.

She was perfectly right.  Lota is truly an old soul. 

Today as I was cleaning my boys room, I came across a card written by Lota for his little brother.  It was short and sweet.

I smiled. I cried.  I read it over and over again. And as I read, memories of Lota's acts of love and selflessness flooded my mind. Lota has always been such a giving, loving and gentle soul. I just wasn't paying close attention to how special he really is.  Memories like this one from the hospital.  

My other kids were getting ready to leave for home after visiting Lota.  It was a hard visit for my 6 year old son (Lota's baby brother and only brother). Sefa did not want to leave the hospital without his big brother. He cried and begged to stay.  It is against hospital rules for kids to stay so Lota reached out for his baby brother and hugged him and comforted him that day.  It helped his little brother feel a little better.  I took a video because I wanted to remember that moment forever. 

Memories like this one from last summer when we were volunteering at the This is The Place Heritage Park.  

~ My Facebook post from August 7th, 2014 ~

"Lota truly has a big heart. We've been volunteering at the This is the place park every other Wednesday this summer. Yesterday, while we were there, I took Lota and his siblings to the candy store. Lota had $1.25 to spend. As I was waiting for him to pay, I heard him ask the cashier

"Is this for tips?" 

"Yes". The cashier responded. 

And then I heard the sound of a coin being dropped into the jar of coins.

My heart skipped a beat. My son only had $1.25 to spend and he still gave the cashier a tip???!!!!! As we walked out he said "Mom, I gave the guy my quarter for a tip. It was the biggest money I had" I smiled as I held back tears of joy and gratitude. Speaking would have made me cry. This kid has a loving heart and I am learning so much from him."

And another Facebook post from during a trail run last summer.

"You know you've been slacking on cardio when you go on a run/hike with your 7 year old and he keeps stopping to coach you up a hill or just to make sure you're Ok. My biggest inspiration and motivator kept calling "Come on Mom. Run!!" I think it's time to get back on it. ‪#‎mysoninspiresme‬ ‪#‎myboylovestorun‬‪#‎runningforkidswhocant‬ ‪#‎runningisgoodforthebodyandsoul‬ " (August 26th 2014)

I feel so much love, gratitude and joy for this "old soul" my Heavenly Father has trusted me to love and guide in this temporary life. There is so much more I need to learn from Lota. There is so much more I have yet to learn. But one thing I do know and have learned this far; Lota is a divine gift; an old gentle soul.  Therefore, I must share his light and love with others. I must allow his light, love and selflessness to touch others lives and bring happiness to them too. 

Much Love, 

~Lota's Mom.