Sunday, June 01, 2008

Out of the mouths of babes

A snippet from a conversation I had with Noah (our 7-year-old) earlier this evening:
Noah: Is Zaidy* out of the hospital yet?
Me: No, not yet, sweetie.
Noah: I wish he was already. I really want him to feel better.
You and me both, little man. You and me both.

Your turn: Kids with hearts of gold. Please discuss.

--
* Zaidy = Yiddish word for grandfather. In this case, he was referring to my father, who's been hospitalized for the past few weeks.

12 comments:

Lifelong Learner said...

Oh, Oh! I have one.

Our 3rd grader got into a tussle on the basketball court after school with a 5th grader. There were some words, a shove or two, and it ended in a stare-down. While glaring at each other, my son said, "Do you want to fight, or do you want some gum?" The 5th grader said, "Fight, gum... fight, gum. I think I'll have some gum." They finished off the game.

Maybe I'll just keep gum in my pocket from now on. For those people who don't say thank you for opened doors.

Lifelong Learner said...

One more thing. That picture you took of your son walking out the door after visiting your father... It is such a great moment that you captured. It really tugs at the heartstrings. Thanks for sharing it!

Jill said...

Last month my 5 year old daughter came home from preschool to tell me everything she learned about Israel's upcoming 60th birthday. She ended her diatribe by relaying that 60 years old is not very old for a country... but it's VERY old for a person.

Little did she know that Bubbie's 60th birthday was the next day. My mom laughed - though not as much as me.

kenju said...

When my son was about 11, he had a friend from school who didn't seem to me to be the kind of kid he'd want to be friends with. I asked him why he was so friendly toward this one kid and he answered..."Mom, if I wasn't his friend, he wouldn't have any."

I couldn't love my son any more than I did at that moment.

Carina said...

My little girl rushed through her prayers the other night and I told her we don't need to be silly when we pray, but that Jesus wants to talk to us seriously. She put me in my place by saying, "But Mommy, Jesus was laughing!"

Who am I to say he wasn't?

Anne said...

Hi, I got here today destpite Michele's spam filter.

My autistic son will try to comfort my daughter when she's upset by patting her arm. Unfortunately, she doesn't always see this as a loving gesture.

Bobkat said...

I hope your father is feeling better soon. As you know, I know what it's like to have an ill parent. Sending all sorts of positive thoughts from the UK.

lissa said...

Beautiful exchange...

There have been so many moments like that in the past few years, from the time my mother got sick to this day, dealing with her absence, my both kids talk about her constantly.

When we got Theo, she was very much on their minds, and more than once, each boy has said, "Bubup would love Theo, huh?"

But it was when my father introduced the boys to his soon-to-be-wife (who is now his ex-wife). We were driving home and I was feeling emotions I couldn't express. Joshua said, "So, I guess that D is going to replace Bubup, right?"

I turned to him, bit my lip and said "No, honey. People don't get replaced. Animals don't get replaced. Batteries get replaced. People can NEVER be replaced."

He thought about it and nodded. He then said, "But you know...it will be nice for him because he'll have someone to talk to after work now."

I couldn't have said it better...

You're making me want to document these past few years in one place; I have the kids' words of wisdom documented in all sorts of ways but maybe it's time to consolidate...

Thanks, Carmi - once again, the wheels are turning...

lissa said...

Just a comment to anne - I don't know the age difference between your children, but eventually, your daughter will come to see just what a special gesture that is from her brother. Thank you for sharing.

In fact, thanks to everyone whose comments I've read - in this entry and others as well. I'm fairly new to the Carmiblog, but I'm getting to "know" the regulars...great meeting y'all!

Melody said...

It's been a while since I was here...Sorry to hear about your father Carmi. Hope he is improving.

My 3yo is starting to say some real classic things that always, *always*, make me smile.

barbie2be said...

Notsoccer Mom's almost 9 year old told her last week he wanted to take me on a date to his school's art show so that i "would feel special". how sweet is that?

gautami tripathy said...

Sometimes it takes just a bit longer. I wish him a speedy recovery!