When my youngest son was 3 or 4, I encountered a situation every parent dreads. In a crowded tram, he pointed his finger at somebody and asked loudly "Why doesn't that man have any hands?". I tried to open up a conversation on how we are all born different yet equal, while the man in question clearly wanted the earth to open up and devour him right there and then.
Once we got home, I explained that next time, when we come across someone who's different, it would be better to wait and discuss it at home. That pointing at somebody who's not like the majority of us can make them feel uncomfortable and sad. Although I tried to say this gently - I
know his question was innocent and he hadn't understood it could hurt someone - his eyes welled in tears. "But I didn't know that! I'm little, I don't know everything!", he sobbed, really upset at himself.
And he never forgot that incident.
A few days ago, we went to a pharmacy and a man came in. He was an adult, but not much taller than my now 5 and a half year old son. I went about my business and suddenly realised that my youngest son was making a tour around the pharmacy, meticulously aisle by aisle. Once, twice, three times all around. Then he came to me and said with a lowered voice "Mama did you notice that man? Was he an adult or a child?". "Can we talk about this at home", I responded. "It's ok," he said proudly "I checked the full pharmacy three times. He's not here anymore. I wouldn't have asked otherwise."
Whenever I get the blues and feel like I've done nothing right in this life I only need to look beside me to find something perfect, happy and beautiful. And I know that at some point, I've taken the right turn.
My guys!
My oldest son who understands me better than anybody else in this world. I don't need to say a world - he already gets it, whatever it is.
My baby, so big now. With such a wise lionheart that every day he makes me proud.
~*♥*~
