A Horse of a Different Color

Drumming to his own beat. Wearing purple in an all pink parade. No matter how you describe him, B has his own remarkable way of handling life, and it's come blazing out in these last few days.

First a little back story.

Last year he was in a district sponsored pre-school. It was the first (and last) year they attempted to have the kids there all day. This was difficult for me, to say the least. B's been my little home buddy for many years now. Being a lover of all things home this was a strain on his composure as well. As the year went on we both got used to him being gone all day. He really flourished in pre-school. Because of his sweet and gentle nature he made lots of friends and was quite often the one others wanted to play with, often at the exclusion of anyone else.

I'm not saying this in a "Mom's bragging again" sort of way. After all, he came to me from heaven all sorted out. It simply helps illustrate the contrast to this year.

About two weeks ago I asked him, "Who did you play with today?", to which my B answered, "I didn't play with anybody." He said it so matter-of-fact, as though we were simply talking about the weather, except he's often far more excited about the weather.

"You didn't play with your friends?" I asked. "I don't have any friends," he said in the same way he might say, "I'd like a sandwich for lunch today."

I became increasingly concerned. My boy who was used to all sorts of friends last year doesn't have one thus far? Did he sense my concern? Maybe, for he said, "It's okay, Mom. I really like walking around the playground by myself."

I'm thinking, "Yeah right," but didn't make more of a deal of it, just said, "If it ever starts to bother you, let me know."

Fast forward to earlier this week. My hubby tells me he brought it up to B when they had a little one-on-one time together. B tells him, "It's okay Dad. I really like to be by myself. I can think better when no one's talking to me."

HE'S FIVE!

The third incident occurred yesterday as we came out of school. B's teacher allows them to bring water bottles to class (it keeps them from constantly asking to go get a drink of water). I bought B a water bottle. It's small, like his big brother's, and stands at about five inches high. B's only in school 3 1/2 hours. Why would he need anything bigger?

"_______ made fun of my water bottle today when we were in line," B said. "He said it looks like a baby cup."

"Did you tell the teacher?" I asked.

"No."

We kept walking along until he mentions another kid made fun of it too. "It looks like a kid's sippy cup," the boy said.

Again I ask, "Did you let the teacher know they were teasing?"

"No. It's okay. It doesn't bother me when other kids are teasing me."

WHOA! How many kids would say that? Not to mention it used to bother him to no end when kids teased him just a year or so ago.

The last happened last night. B comes in every night just before he's ready to go to sleep so I will help him say his prayers. As he's leaving I told him if kids are teasing or making fun of him to let his teacher know, because it's not something they should be doing. This one stunned me more than the others combined.

"Mom, I didn't want to get them in trouble. Sometimes kids tell on other kids when they didn't even do anything, and that's not right. I just don't want to get anyone in trouble."

All kids are special, but there's something about B that simply boggles my mind. If more adults acted the way this little boy acts, what a remarkable world this would be. It certainly brings to mind the ideas of becoming child-like and a child shall lead them.