Out of the Mouths of Babes

Children are amazing creatures. Not that I have or want one of my own, thank you very much, -- I have a spoiled rotten cat who is more than enough for me to keep up with -- but I am blessed to have several young people in my life via my "friend-mily." Over the holidays and glorious time spent at a number of gatherings, there were several "gems" that are just too good not to share!

I attended Christmas Eve services with dear friends whose company includes that of a bright, adorable 3 year old boy who I don't see regularly since his parents live about 5 hours away. I met up with these friends at the church, and then we all drove back to the house for dinner. Two of us came in after the others, and while the little extrovert quickly jumped in to conversation with me, he suddenly stopped and looked all serious when advising his Nana while pointing my direction, "she followed us home!"

At a Christmas Day gathering in the home of a large extended family I visit on holidays and special occasions, the 2 1/2 year old daughter of a family member came up to me and sat down like she hangs out with me every day. I was at first rather surprised -- and somewhat flattered -- that she remembered me, since I hadn't seen her since Thanksgiving (which I thought was the equivalent of a hundred years or more from a 2 1/2 year old's perspective of time). She is an outgoing, intelligent young lady who speaks quite well for one of her tender age, and she immediately said hello and began to tell me about Santa's visit. She scooted up next to me and was all smiles, when someone else at the table asked her if she remembered my name. She enthusiastically shook her head yes, and when pressed looked up at me and excitedly responded, "CHIPS!" The driving force behind her personal visit was actually the chips and salsa on the table in front of where I was sitting...so much for that momentary feeling of being so memorable! ;-)

How much nicer the world would be if we could all retain that naivety of childhood! To be able to say what was on our minds no matter the audience. Not always having to censor each and every utterance for fear of being misunderstood or labeled as "someone who believes X -- can you believe she said THAT?!" To eat ice cream and let it drip down our hands and faces with reckless abandon. To be rewarded with M&M's for going potty. Ahhhhhh....the simple wonders of the world.

I'm going to make an honest effort to regain some of my innocence and enjoyment of the little things around me without worrying so much. Perhaps I should celebrate my first day back at the office after the holidays (grumble, grumble, grumble) by taking in a big bucket of ice cream and cones to share with my colleagues at lunch time? Maybe I will even let a little drip here and there....I'm just saying... ;-)

Until next time...