Two Reports

Yesterday's report from Ann.

1.  This morning Edmund (three years old) said the family prayer. He expressed thanks for "the opportunity the boys have of going to school." The boys are Charlie and Johnny, his two old brothers. Ann was tickled her three-year-old used "opportunity" correctly. So am I. 

But there's more in that expression than a correct use of language. There's the sense that he is not yet one of the boys, and that reaches my heart. It makes me remember Richard's feelings when his big brother Andrew went off to kindergarten, leaving Richard at home, just as Edmund is left at home. I hope and trust that when Edmund has the "opportunity" to go to school he will know he is one of the boys.

2.  Later, when Ann took Edmund and Mina outside, she said, "It's a such a nice day." Edmund said, "Yes, there's a breeze."

I love that little kid.

Last night's report from Lola about what Clayton did yesterday. Clayton is ten years old.

He said, "Mom, what would you have done?" Then he told her what he did.

First, you need to know that Clayton has been wanting a yo-yo. His big brother Bryan bought him one, which made Clayton very happy. Sure, a yo-yo is no big thing, but it's a fun thing, and when you want one and then you get it, you're happy. 

Now his story. He has a friend at school who has been absent for some long time because of a fractured skull. Yesterday the friend finally came back to school. When Clayton saw him he felt bad for him and wondered what he could do to help, to make him feel better.

He told his mother this, "I thought he was more important than I was, so I gave him my yo-yo." Yes, his friend liked the yo-yo and felt better. It made him happy. But for me the best part is that Clayton gave away something dear to him to help someone else. That's the part his mother likes, too.

She told him it was a very nice thing to do. And when she told me the story, we both cried a little. 

I suspect Clayton will get another yo-yo, but that was not in his mind when he wanted to help his friend.

What's not to love about a kid like that?