for a moment this morning, my heart broke a little

Today was bring a flower to your teacher day at school. I fashioned a bundle for each kid and stamped a card for them. Braeden was excited to bring his to school. I love this age, when doing little things like this are exciting. Since we were carrying flowers, we walked to school instead of riding bikes. I like these days because I can spend time talking to Braeden and stopping to pick up bugs or cool looking leaves. Today, Devin also walked . But since he is a fourth grader and old enough to walk without his mom, he went ahead. As we were walking, we could see him in the distance. His friend was no longer with him and he was happily walking alone. (for the record, the flowers I gave him littered the sidewalk. I wonder what was left to give his teacher.) Braeden saw his opportunity to walk with his big brother and ran to catch up. He yelled Devins name over and over. He never caught up. As this was happening, my heart was breaking. I knew he could hear Braeden, I also knew what Devin was thinking. Devin loves his brother, but walking with a kindergartner was "not 4th grade". I could see Braedens little backpack jumping up and down as he ran to get his brother, he is so little, so vulnerable. He never did catch up and secretly I was grateful. braeden thought he could not hear him. I was glad that he did not get his feelings hurt. When did the gap get so wide? I know that after school today they will play together like usual and the divide will close, but for a moment this morning, my heart broke a little.