Children are precious
Saying “children are precious” is sappy, and it’s also true. I was supervising the first grade class during lunch. It involves helping kids open their food packages, helping with spills, making sure they don’t run away or hurt each other while they spar and argue. It also involves tolerance for a horrific level of noise which creates a challenge to my declining hearing. BK is an even-tempered, bright girl in the class, and she is generally less needy than other kids. She’s a good student, and she’s good natured. I happened to be there when she bit into a crisp apple with her loose tooth, causing a sharp pain in her mouth. She lost all composure and burst out crying. I was there to catch her and hug her. Me: I’m so sorry it hurts so much. BK: My mama says I have lot of years to be a kid. Me: How wonderful that your mama is so wise.