The gift is like this -
In Zoey's kindergarten class this year there was a young girl who is mentally challenged. (Let's call her Jane.) She had an assistant that always stayed with her in class. I had a few discussions with Zoey about Jane - I'd ask her if many other kids played with her, if Zoey tried to play with her, etc. I tried to explain to Zoey (on her level) that her classmate might seem a little different but that it was important that Zoey treated her with respect & was a friend to her. Zoey would tell me how she played with Jane here & there. She would talk to me about her classmate with enthusiasm. It always made me feel good because I had explained to Zoey that she didn't have to be her BFF but be kind.
This weekend is Zoey's 6th birthday & we're celebrating with a party at the park. We invited all the girls in class & that includes Jane. I will clearly admit I had hesitation & I clearly admit it is due to my ignorance. I wasn't sure how a birthday party might go if Jane didn't understand or got upset....I didn't want to be the cause of any confusion on any one's part. But Pete & I agree - all girls invited!
Well, this week Jane's mom called me to say Jane is coming to the party. Enthusiastically, I told her mom how happy we are to have Jane coming to the celebration. Jane's mom & I proceeded to chat and I found out Zoey's birthday party is Jane's first. Wow!...I thought to myself. And at the same time, I felt honored - like Jane's mom felt comfortable enough to make her first party experience with us. Then, somewhere in our conversation Jane's mom thanked me. For what I wondered?! She proceeded to thank me for how kind Zoey always is to Jane. She told me it was like Zoey took Jane "under her wing" and was such a sweet friend to her.
Wow! Like that it hit me - the BIGGEST, proud-Mom-moment of my life. I wanted to cry in pride & scream with joy all at the same time. My baby girl has such a big heart. I'm proud of you, Zoey, for having more character at age 6 than most people have in a lifetime.
