This morning, my youngest little guy had to go for (fasting) blood work and my oldest insisted on coming with us. I convinced my daughter to go to her preschool instead of joining us. Earlier in the week, the oldest, who is terrified of needles, had some blood work done and afterwards, the youngest gave him a big hug and a big kiss, reminding him that he had gotten through it, that it was over and that there was no more need to cry.
Today, my oldest wanted to repay him and be there to support him during what he thought would be a very scary and challenging time for his little brother.. My youngest has a tremendous threshold for pain and he didn't bat an eyelash while the nurse went looking (and quickly found) a viable vein. The little guy sat through the blood work without so much as a peep. Afterwards, my oldest gave him a big hug and a big kiss and said "Wow! You're so brave".
I had promised the boys that I'd buy them something yummy to eat after the blood work. They both chose cheese danishes. When we got to the bakery, we were told that we could buy 2 for 10 or 3 for 12. I figured I'd have one with my cup of coffee after I'd drop them off at their preschool/kindergarten.
On our walk to drop off the oldest, we spotted a street cleaner that we had befriended a few years ago. A sweet and kind looking Ethiopian man who we always say "Good Morning" or "Good Afternoon" to when we pass him on the street. It is very important to me that my children acknowledge services that are given to them with gratitude and a smile. The weather these days is unbearably hot and these hard working street cleaners can really use some friendly "Good Mornings/Afternoons" from passersby. My oldest spots him from a distance and says to me" Ema, did you eat your cheesecake yet?". I said no and I knew exactly what was coming next. "Ema, let's give the cheesecake to our friend. He works so hard and it's so hot out here." I was so moved and touched by the hugeness of my boy's heart, that I gladly gave him the cheesecake and said" Tell him to eat it with his cup of coffee later". My 6 year old went over to the street cleaner, said "Good Morning" and then told him "Have it with your cup of coffee later". Our friend's face lit up with a gigantic smile and he thanked my boy profusely.
We live in a sometimes thankless world. A world filled with darkness and pain, at times. It dawns on me every day, how if people used more kindness and empathy in their daily encounters with their families, friends, acquaintances and even strangers on the street who could use a friendly "hello" or "good morning", our world would be a much better place.
We can all make our own contributions.
Let's start NOW.
Love,
Cigal
