Who's the Best Teacher?

Our beloved cat of 15 years, Jack, died recently. My husband broke the news to the girls as I was seeking solace in my bath tub. My oldest found me there in tears and barely able to speak a word. Without hesitation she grabbed a box of Kleenex and brought them over. She also reached for a bar of soap and began washing my back. She assured me that Jack was in heaven and asked if the angels could bring him down every once in awhile for a visit.

The tears flowed but my heart managed a smile. My four year old shared a real gift with me in those brief moments. She taught me real compassion and understanding.

There were four children and two lucky Moms at Steak’n Shake that day. It was one of those times where we questioned why we even tried such! They were standing up in their seats, shouting and food was everywhere. Some of the other customers were giving us looks of sympathy while others looked as thought they wished they-or us were dining somewhere else! (Sound familiar?)

In the middle of this joyful chaos, a hamburger was launched and a gentleman sustained a direct hit on the back of the neck. He turned, looked and then laughed—and suggested that “the arm and aim” was needed by the Bucs! That day was our lesson in real humor and humility.

We were all so proud of my husband that Memorial Day Sunday. He looked so official and so handsome in his Air Force dress blues. The four of us walked hand in hand as we entered church that day as a proud military family. Our oldest daughter wanted to see her Dad go up on stage with the others as a salute to all branches of the military-and we agreed it would be special for her to be there.

As the Air Force song was played, he stood and made his way through the pew and down the aisle towards the stage. As he climbed the stairs to the stage, our daughter began yelling, “Daddy! Daddy! I want my Daddy!” (Did I mention we were at the very back of the church?) She began crying and sobbing---and then wiggled away from me, made it out of the pew and walked hesitantly down the aisle by herself and towards the stage.

She locked eyes with her Dad and he stepped forward to pick her right up---and there they were- my husband holding her proudly on stage amongst the others in the Air Force. There wasn’t a dry eye in the hundreds at church that day-especially mine.

This little girl, our little girl, showed such courage and love that day. Most importantly, she reminded others that the impact of war is far deeper than what you can see, read or hear in any type of media. It can be as simple, as heart breaking-or as heart warming as a child simply missing, really missing and really needing her Daddy.

The director of the school motioned me over. I remember thinking that was either really bad or really good. I was hoping for the latter. She began the story with a smile. The class was finishing up their crafts and the teacher explained that the table has to be cleaned before they could have snack time. Without a second thought and with a smile, our daughter took her arm and with one swoop cleared the entire table---with the craft supplies hitting the floor. She exclaimed, “Snack time!” They had been laughing about this incident for hours.

I think this was their lesson and mine in keeping it direct and simple! Something as adults, we often forget!

Children are the very best teachers. They view the world with such loving but simple hearts. Their actions are honest and their minced words sincere. Their teachings are everywhere…in the biggest and smallest of moments. So take a moment to laugh, to cry, to be horrified at times---but take the time in this busy world to cherish the moment and the teaching. These days may seem long, but the years will be short….and moments will be all you have.