String Cheese Gets an Award

Remember at the Beginning of Sleeping Beauty when the fairy godmothers come into Princess Aurora's christening and bestow special gifts upon her? If I remember correctly, the gifts were something like beauty, wit, and a beautiful singing voice. Those are nice. But if I could choose just one gift to be bestowed upon any of my children, it would be KINDNESS. I've spent a good deal of time thinking about this and I really cannot think of another more important attribute that I hope and pray my children will possess. I believe that kindness can be developed, but for some it is just a gift that comes naturally. Such is the case with my firstborn little princess.

This school year has been rough for her. She really misses her last school and her friends. She has some fears and worries about how things are done at this school and doesn't feel she's made any really close friends. The other day my heart broke and then I was filled with the desire to smack a certain 8 year old's face. SC had her lunch tray and was looking for a place to sit. Sara, a girl in her class, said, "Over here! Over here!" SC smiled and walked toward the table. When she got there, Sara said, "I wasn't talking to you! Why would I want you to ever sit by me?" Apparently she had been waving to somebody BEHIND SC. SC slowly turned away and found another table.

Despite this and many other similar experiences, SC continues to show kindness any way that she can. The first week of school she told me she felt very sad because there was a boy in a wheelchair crying out at recess. When she asked why he was crying he said that the teachers wouldn't let him play. SC was very upset about this and I assured her there must be some reason he couldn't be involved in the other activities. I don't know his story or even why he's in a wheelchair but a few days later SC said that the teachers said he has to be very careful and he bleeds very easily so he has to stay away from a lot of kids and their rambunctiousness (or something like that). However, the teacher did allow for SC to get a ball and bounce it back and forth to him. She now often spends her recess with her new friend, Darius or Aderius.

Last week we received a letter in the mail which said that SC would be receiving some kind of an award and to come watch her at the school. I had no idea what it was about but discovered it was to be given to her and several others during a school-wide assembly. At their school they have a "Circle of Courage" which includes Mastery, Independence, Generosity, and Belonging. SC's special award was for being one that helps others feel "valued", "welcome", and like they all "belong" together.

I am so grateful for this beautiful, KIND girl of mine! I love you SC!