As I mentioned before, this is Kindness Week in Ottawa. When I started talking to the organizers about getting the word out about kindness, the week, how to celebrate etc., I knew I wanted to post my experience with kindness that was shown to me and my son on my blog.
After Christmas, my son had a hard time getting back into the school routine. Preschool, 3 mornings a week, had been going quite well, with few days of weepiness for me. He likes it. I know that. But after 2 weeks off at Christmas, a time period that was filled with love and fun and family, I knew the adjustment back would be hard.
Each morning, the tears flowed and my heart broke more for him. It was all I could do to not send him, but I knew it was best I did. I knew he just needed time.
Other moms would look at him, and at me at drop off. I had the only sad child it seemed. I felt alone. Then, one of the other moms suggested we get our boys together for a play date outside of school hours. That way, when he came to school, he’d feel like he had more of a ‘buddy’. I felt relief. She was so kind to offer, and while I didn’t know her very well, she seemed really nice and I was happy to set out plans to get together.
2 days later was another school day. Another teary drop off. I went through the motions, and while feeling wilted, that mom and her son arrived. The son walked over to us and had something in his hand for my son. It was a card (construction paper, folded, and painted on by him. Address to my son, from him). His mom explained that after the last school day, her son was so concerned for my son (who he told her was still quite sad) and wanted to make him a card.
I almost cried right there.
In this four year old body stood the soul of compassion. His mom I’m sure sensed my heart swelling and tears forming. We gave each other an understanding nod.
When we met a few days later for our first play date (which went famously), I told her how thoughtful that card was, and how she was raising such an empathetic little boy. I also made a point of telling the boy how thoughtful that was.
She explained how she had been there before, how he had a hard adjustment the year previous etc. But empathy isn’t something that comes so easily at that age. He was so concerned with my son, so caring.
Even though I explained to her my gratefulness, I’m not sure either will really know how their acts of kindness have made a huge difference for my son and I. I know he is fine at school, and now I know he has a pal who really cares. I also know that the other mom is there for me, so supportive.
That simple act of kindness wasn’t required of them. Or expected. But it has changed this second half of our preschool year and I doubt I’ll ever forget it.
I can’t thank her, or her son, enough for that.
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