Thanks For Being Nice To Me

[poliphilo]

I was out cutting the hedge yesterday afternoon and a child from down the street- a lonely 12 year old who gets lost in the crowd of her siblings- stopped by for a chat.  After a while I asked Ailz (sotto voce) to come and chaperone me because- well- a middle-aged man has to be careful around kids these days. I hate it, but there you are.  Ailz was showing her our collection of soft toys (we've got hundreds of them) and wound up giving her a couple. Later she returned with gifts of her own- a miniature scent bottle and a doll's hand mirror- plus a thankyou note. 

thank's for the tedy what you give me and thank's for being nice to me and you are a good frend to now.

I've fixed it to the fridge with a magnet. 

I don't know how people who are around kids all the time can stand it- all those vulnerable young lives- and knowing all the horrors that surround and await them- and being so powerless to do anything about it- like watching a fleet of paper boats going off down a fast-flowing river. 

Comments

[pondhopper.livejournal.com]

When I became a teacher it was of older, already hardened to the world people. Even so, I met quite a few 20 year olds who could have written that note.

Like Jackie, I think this post is a jewel. I felt so sad after reading her note. Manolo and I were just now discussing the horrendous perspectives young people face these days. I think we had it easier.

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

I think life is hard- full stop. I suspect it's meant to be that way. If we didn't have obstacles to overcome we'd never grow.

My childhood was lovely in some ways- bags of freedom- but I was also quite lonely for much of the time.