Little humans crack me up. At least most of them. Once they can verbally communicate all bets are off!
I was leaving Wal-Mart this morning and this family passed me. Mom and Dad and two kids. The daughter looked about ten and the son was probably around five. The thing I noticed was this little guy was talking a-mile-a-minute. Mom would look back quickly and reply and the dad, who was walking next to the little fella, was listening to the happy chatter.
Little fella was explaining something and his expression and rapidly moving hands told as much as his high-pitched words. He was captivating in his efforts to express himself to the older members of his family. I wanted to turn and follow so I could hear more of this interesting human.
Another time I was having dinner with some friends who had their grandchildren with them. It took all of fifteen minutes and the questioning by the two oldest began. What was humorous and interesting were their candid questions and their mature responses relating their own experiences to my answers.
Forget the grownups, these guys were more fun.
At a wedding recently I started a conversation with my seven-year old niece. I was so charmed by her conversation and the way she leaned in to speak to me, the way an adult does when caught up in the interaction, I wanted it to go on. She expressed herself wonderfully.
One aspect I have noted is the mimicry involved in conversing with little humans. I can’t count how many times the parental influence comes through in their words or expressions. An aside here is I have also encountered a lack of this same aspect in little humans. I don’t claim to know why this happens and it may be natural shyness in some. Yet, it seems that most children are by nature gregarious and curious.
They are wondrous creatures. A blank canvas waiting for inspiration from those around them and a unrecorded video waiting for their story to be imprinted.
It is an awesome and righteous responsibility. What we communicate to them is what they will give to society.
I hope little fella was allowed to tell his story with acceptance and respect.
-N
So true.