Just after starting preschool in September, Emma was at the large play structure that the preschool uses for recess. It was a day out of school for the older kids, so it was quite a bit busier than normal. Partway through the kids' 15 minutes in the play structure, Emma came down crying. The teacher could not figure out what had happened and determined that she must have gotten scared up on the top level. If you know Emma at all, and as she'll tell you, she's not afraid of anything! That changed that day. What had happened is one of the school-aged girls had hit her when she was playing up on top. Now, if you ask her about it now, she'll tell you that a "big, huge, girl hit me over and over again." The incident has grown in her mind, and she has refused to go up to the top of the play structure ever since.*****
Today, she conquered her fear.
Ryan had the day off from school, and he had never been there to play. So, we spent about 1/2 hour there before it was time for Emma's class to come in. As soon as she saw him, she ran up and grabbed his hand. (I cannot believe that I forgot to bring my camera!!!). She led him over to the climbing wall that leads up to the top level. At every turn, he was there for her. I watched as he shielded her from the other kids, as he gave her a push to help her get up through a hole in the ceiling, as he held back the big swinging bags so they wouldn't hit her in the face. They played together for 20 minutes...the entire time up on the top level. Both of them had smiles...big smiles...that showed how happy they were.
*****
Sometimes, the kids drive me nuts with their bickering and fighting. But, it's times like these that touch my heart. The times that they help each other out, the times they play together, the times Ryan will talk to Emma in the voice he uses just for her...asking if she needs help.
*****
Thank you, Ryan, for helping Emmalee overcome her fear today.
4 comments:
Give that boy a big hug from his Nana. Emma too! I have always envied people who had brothers and sisters that were close to them in age. That is one of the reasons you and your brothers are so close together in age.
Well done Ryan!!! Yup, it is this kinda moments that melts my heart too!!! :)
Poo to bullies.
And hugs to children who have love in their hearts.
(all due to good parenting, of course.)
I'm the mama terrified of letting my babes go to the top level for fear of someone hurting them. Guess I'm gonna have to let go of that, eh?
and as we get older, the "kids" get meaner and the fears more intense, but aren't we so lucky when we have the love and support of siblings would do anything to save us from the hurt of this world. . .I know I can't save my little brother and sister from everything, but man, I sure try! :)
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