Tuesday, January 20, 2009

free at last

Yesterday I was reorganizing the playroom for the 50th time (because I just can't get it exactly how I want it) and heard the kids in the living room yelling, "Free at Last. Free at last."

I walked into the room and noticed Oprah was on and the speech by Martin Luther King Jr. was being aired. Zander looked up at me and said, "Who is that man mama? I like him." I guess charismatic people touch everyone.....through the ages. The show then moved to a clip of Barack Obama and Zander said, "Barack Obama, he's my favorite." Kaya started clapping and they both were jumping up and down saying "Free at Last!" again.

Of course I teared up, immediately pressed record on the remote, and tried to capture the moment again on camera. But the moment was fleeting. I'm glad I got to see it when I did. To have a two and three year old understand something important was happening and showing compassion truly touched my heart. I really don't tell them my political opinions or anything about government at this age just the importance of everyone being treated kindly.

I'm glad I got to see the glimpse of kindness and compassion. Happy Inagauration Day to you all!

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm so glad you are teaching them kindness and compassion. I'm sure Zander will always remember this and hopely Kaya will also. Thanks for sharing this moment with us.

RYD said...

You are raising some very smart kids! I watched the inauguration with Aimee by my side today (she was home sick) and could not fight back the tears. What a moving and inspirational day. Free At Last (from the past 8 years!)