October 5 – “Walker surfing and kind words”

 

 

Cailyn came up with another classic the other day.  I don't know if she had a rough day at preschool or was just trying out some of her budding emotional responses.  But it was definitely funny in a "don't let her see you laughing" sort of way.

 

Now Cailyn and Mom usually get along pretty well.  In fact some days Cailyn can be seen leading her along by the hand or sitting quietly at her side letting MoeMoe read her a book.  Cailyn is better than any of us at getting Mom to wake up and get out of bed in the morning.  She just storms into the bedroom and announces matter-of-factly that "It's time to get up, MoeMoe."  When we pick her up from preschool and arrive at the house, she has to locate Mom first thing.  And if she doesn't see her, she wants to know "Where's MoeMoe."  My personal favorite is when Cailyn works her way under Mom's walker from the front.  Then she strolls around the house leading Mom on an unexpected hike. 

 

But, alas, there are some days when Cailyn's mood is off and her temper is short.  And invariably those are the days when Mom remembers the joys of the little one's attention.   And she decides to force her way into the mussed-up world of the two-year-old who has decided that today she wants to be left alone.  Doesn't make for a very good match.  Mom can't understand why Cailyn wants nothing to do with her when just that morning they were rollicking down the hall together, walker surfing.  Cailyn can't understand why she can't just have a few minutes to herself. 

 

This particular incident occurred during one of those days of conflict.  Mom approached Cailyn and did her dead-level best to initiate contact.  Cailyn at first ignored her.  Not to be deterred, Mom pressed on.  Cailyn's eyes steeled.  Her lips pressed together tightly.  Her brow furrowed.  The tension was building within.   And Mom pressed on and on and on.  Finally Cailyn reached the end of her patience.  She turned ever-so-slightly toward Mom and angrily lashed out, "Hush up, MoeMoe." 

 

Now, in the meantime, Chris had been listening to the situation and had determined that things were not going quite as either of them had planned.  She had just entered the room to attempt an intervention when Cailyn's command burst forth.  Quickly she called her name, "Cailyn.  Don't talk to your MoeMoe like that."  Always one to provide an alternative for positive action, Chris added, "Use your kind words." 

 

The wheels in Cailyn's head began to spin.  She started to speak.  Thought better of it.  Started again.  No, that wasn't it.  Finally she had it.  Cailyn turned to Mom, and with those big brown eyes fluttering she smiled ever-so-kindly and said in her softest, kindest, sweetest little two-year-old voice, "Hush up, MoeMoe." 

 

What can you say?

 

Proverbs 27:18 says, "He who tends a fig tree will eat its fruit, and he who looks after his master will be honored."

 

Father, thank you for the two charges you have placed in our care.  Help Mom and Cailyn to maintain their strange and wonderful relationship.  Amen.