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SOCIAL MEDIA

A TALE AS OLD AS TIME

July 7, 2013


The other day Madison was playing with her little people (miniature versions of Disney characters that literally have to go everywhere she goes) lining them up one by one and pairing them off as she does.  Pointing to each one individually asking me to say their names, an informal role call, when I noticed Beast was standing on his own away from the group.

I plucked him from his current location and announced "the Beast" before placing him next to his female companion in the yellow dress.

Madison shook her head back and forth adamant that he wasn't included and ostracized him once again.  To her, it was clear one of these was not like the others.

I picked the tiny figurine up, reminded immediately of my adult position as my hand completely engulfed the small painted plastic character, and before realizing it I jumped into the parent role.  It came so naturally and quickly without warning.  A random, blitz Danny Tanner moment.

It was then I explained that some people may look different and sometimes even act different, but it doesn't mean we should treat them differently.  At the root, we're all the same.  I looked at her big brown eyes staring back at me and watched her take Beast from my hand and nod in what seemed like complete understanding.

Then she kissed him on the head and placed him in the middle of the others.

I suppose the lesson for her was acceptance yet it felt like a gentle reminder for me, as well.  Maybe having kids is what brings us full circle.  Maybe having kids is the ultimate life lesson that encourages us to revisit and fertilize the good in ourselves. 

Maybe in the end, Madison will have taught me more than I could have ever imagined teaching her.

4 comments

  1. Isn't it amazing...just when you think you're the teacher, u become the student. As much as my kids frustrate me sometimes...they awe me more often than not =) Great parenting!

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  2. Great lesson taught, Brad! I agree. Kids re-teach us the lessons we learned as a kid but have lost because of age and negativity and cynicism.

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    Replies
    1. It's true. Our efforts in helping them become better people oftentimes help us at the same time.

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