I think what I want most for my children — beyond having their basic needs met — is for them to be compassionate.
During the past two weeks, as I’ve started to recover from pneumonia, I’ve witnessed a truckload of compassion from my five-year-old twins. It makes my heart sing.
Each of my kids has shown their compassion differently, but it’s there.
My Son’s Version of Compassion
Every morning without fail, the first thing W says to me is, “Mom, how are you feeling today?” It’s usually followed by an unprompted hug. Then every afternoon when he arrives home from school, he flings off his backpack, runs to me and says, “Hi Mom, are you feeling better?”
Yesterday, while my husband was preparing dinner, I snuck out to our deck and sat on the stairs, my lungs desperate for half a breath of fresh air. Before long, I felt a gentle hand on my back. It was my son, rubbing my back.
My Daughter’s Version of Compassion
V’s compassion is shown more through art. Every day, I get at least one homemade Get Well card. It’s enough to make me appreciate crafts.
Here are some of her creations:
So , there you have it. Compassion from five-year-olds.
So, so sweet! Clearly, you know you’ve done something right all these years to have raised caring children.
Those should really be framed and put on a wall somewhere. Too cute.
Ahhh, -sniff-. They soften even this leathery old heart!
Oh what a wonderful post. As Natalie says you should frame those pictures, they are so beautiful. You are absolutely right, compassion is a very special trait and if we could all demonstrate that to one another then the world would be a much better place. Children have it in spades it seems and we can learn so much from them. When I was in bed sick with stomach flu a couple of weeks ago my three year old made me two get well cards and insisted on checking up on me every few hours which was so sweet, although the jumping on the bed that accompanied each visit was not quite so great! For days afterwards she would say to me “Mommy, are you feeling better? If not, you can tell me you know and I will help”.
I hope you are feeling better now and are soon fully recovered and able to really enjoy some time with those wonderful children of yours
Make you appreciate crafts, eh? Hm. Well anyway those are adorable drawings. I particularly love the portrait of you. Hurry up and feel better already lol. Seriously, I hope your breathing is back to normal, that’s dangerous.
Thanks for putting a ‘smile on me’. So sweet. These are the moments that make motherhood magical (and memorable)… My mom still has a ‘card’ I made for her saying: ‘Mommy I lik you’ decorated with lots of lopsided flowers and pencil hearts. This reader is glad to hear you’re feeling better 😀
sweet beyond.
I remember when Jordan was five and I was sick in bed….and he came over to my bedside and said, “Who’s gonna make me breakfast?” 🙂
Almost makes me want to be sick (that doesn’t sound right does it?). srsly tho, tres cute 😉
Oh, this is a wonderful idea for a post!
How could you miss: “I’ll give you something to do..” in response to your “I’m bored.”
And don’t forget, “You want something to cry about? I can give you something to cry about.” in response to whining about having work chores to do.
Love this idea.