I love to stand with the other parents and grandparents, on the sidewalk just outside the school, when the teacher struggles to contain the crowd as she opens the gate, and a stream of littleness comes flowing out and scatters in a moment of excited chaos. And I see that one little face searching the crowd for mine, and the moment of recognition that shows both relief and anticipation as he can barely contain the words that will soon come pouring out, telling all about the day, the new things he learned, the new friends he made, that tomorrow his table has show and tell, that a boy pushed him on the playground, that he doesn't like the mean lady with the whistle, and on and on and on with almost no pause, all the way home right on through lunch.
I especially love the little stories, some imaginary but laced with facts. Which stories, I'm instructed, I must never, ever, ever tell anyone.
And for a short time I get to see the world through the eyes of a five-year old boy.
And here I thought it was going to be hard to fit this new duty into my daily schedule.
5 comments:
How sweet! Lucky you. I wish I had the opportunity but unfortunately mine are 1,200 miles away. On the other hand I was told over the phone last night that it's been over 100 degrees every day since April...
Oh it's so hard when they are so far away. I have two little ones in Virginia and I so long to spend the kind of time with them I can with these nearby kids.
It has been a hot one this year. Not a year I'd like to be in Arizona. It's been hot here, too. I think Minnesota would be nice.
Nothing is quite so eloquent as a child's enthusiasm. Their brightness is brighter, their laugh resonates like church bells and their closeness to everything wonderful is
inspiring. Lucky you to be there again.
So true, Herb. They haven't learned to hold back yet. Their earnest honesty is so refreshing and often entertaining, too!
Thank you, Shers. And congrats on your new little one as well. I saw the cute pictures you posted from your trip. You're one cute grandma, too!
Post a Comment