Today, when compared to other days, was an odd day for us.
We woke up much earlier than normal and took Daddy to the airport. Saying good-bye is always hard but for Miss L it is the most difficult. She's sensitive and she is so very attached to her daddy. It's hard when he is gone even just for a few days. It takes her awhile to recover.
We eat breakfast later than normal on these early morning adventures to the airport because we come back to a bagel shop near our house which is a treat for the girls and a good distraction.
As we were talking, laughing, and eating an older gentleman entered the door behind us. I noticed Miss S wave to someone as did Miss A. The gentleman came over and and said, "It's so nice when young ones want to engage with people rather than hide behind mama." Let me clarify, my girls have those "hide behind mama" moments often but today they were feeling especially social. He talked to each one of the girls and even listened to Miss S as she babbled a few coherent words and then a whole bunch of nonsense even though it was quite apparent it all made perfect sense to her.
Next, Miss L dove in and told him all about school and how she is finishing kindergarten and looking forward to first grade. He made some comment to her that didn't quite apply to our homeschool environment (I don't remember what it was) and Miss L just said, "Oh, I'm homeschooled." Without missing a beat or looking shocked he said, "Well, you'll probably get a better education that way!" and continued to talk to the girls about school and a whole host of other things.
I was floored. I was NOT expecting that response at all. BUT I was thankful for it. People generally look at me like I have horns growing out of my head when I tell them we homeschool. Others have a few curious questions and move on. Few have ever had this kind of response unless they homeschool as well.
He was a kind man. His kindness had an impact not only on my children but also on me. I'm not trying to put down public schools but trying to remember the kindness of people that the Lord places in my path because it is easy to focus on the harsh words from people... I want to remember the kind words, too.
So, thank you, dear gentleman... you made this mama's hard morning a little easier.
