Realization
Today Ellie became aware that she is smaller and weaker than other kids. Up until now I think she didn’t realize it. She would run after all the kids in her class happily unaware she was always the last one. Having other kids lap her while climbing up the the slide didn’t bother her at all until today.
One of the kids in another class made her aware. They told Ellie she was smaller and shorter and couldn’t run as fast. It was like the blinders came off. The teacher told us it really upset Ellie. Ellie told me that it made her sad, she said she can’t she climb up the slide like other kids and that they’re all taller and can run faster.
What do you say? We told her that not everyone is big, that she will get stronger, that not everyone can run fast and, not to worry, soon she’ll be strong enough to climb the slide.
Not being there when it happened, I don’t know for sure what was said and the manner in which it was said. I don’t think the other child was being mean – just stating the facts.
It makes me sad to see the innocence lost. The total unawareness turn into awareness. I knew it was only a matter of time before she realized, I guess I was hoping it wouldn’t be so soon.
