We were at the grocery store this morning at 6:40. We walked past the flowers and chocolates just inside the front door, convenient for last minute shoppers. We walked past these to the back of the store to get Valentine's for their Valentine's Day Party.
Ah, mission accomplished.
Post-purchase we pass the mechanical horse who gives away free rides. Oh, no, wait. We don't pass it. We never just pass it. Do you know what a strange sound that is? It's a strange sound in the grocery store at 6:45 in the morning. People with plans walk fast in business clothes. Long, black pea-coats. Toddlers are a strange sight this early--like, in public, I think. They get lots of sideways smiles. (the emoticon :) has given that phrase new meaning, eh?)
we stop at the coffee counter for my 'videt' gift for myself and
out of the corner of my eye I see my oldest sneak a chocolate from the counter into the waistband of her skirt. I give her a look, an intense look, a look that says 'I have no idea what to do about this.'
We step over to the station for cream and sugar. This is an excuse for me to think of a plan. What do I say? How do I do this without embarrassing her?--
We step over to the station for cream and sugar. This is an excuse for me to think of a plan. What do I say? How do I do this without embarrassing her?--
(sensitive girl)
--Then I see! The chocolate has fallen onto the floor. I assess, "She doesn't know."
We get out the door,
Curtains up, lights on, deep breath, start acting:
I think it fell on the floor."
"No... .... ...." She searches the absence.
"You're so lucky."
Uhn... Duh... Twoi
"Do you know what happens?
what happens when you steal something?"
...
"The police come, they take you to jail."
I muster all the feeling of hope and love I have for this girl, it wells up in me to a never-ending maximum:
"I'm so glad they didn't take you to jail,
that would have been a terrible Valentine's Day."
She has a great depth for empathy and an extreme sensitivity I'm afraid I damaged. As TRULY as I can I feel emotion for her. It's how she learns.
Uhn... Duh... Twoi
"Do you know what happens?
what happens when you steal something?"
...
"The police come, they take you to jail."
I muster all the feeling of hope and love I have for this girl, it wells up in me to a never-ending maximum:
"I'm so glad they didn't take you to jail,
that would have been a terrible Valentine's Day."
She has a great depth for empathy and an extreme sensitivity I'm afraid I damaged. As TRULY as I can I feel emotion for her. It's how she learns.
Their school is so close, less than a mile. By the time we get there each chocolate gift has suffered a few nibbles. Inside the schoolhouse door, I greet the parents from a tiny chair while I assemble Valentine's cards. And I STILL make it to work on time.
I am a badass :)
