My son and I were sitting in a small local breakfast place in Santa Monica, California. We were surrounded by families, and people from everywhere......all colors, sizes and genders. A world setting.
Two boys about seven and eight, sat a few feet away with their mothers. The younger boy was wanting something, struggling against his mother, and crying angrily. His mom was attempting to get his attention and calm him, as she held one of his arms.
Inside me, I felt his frustration. I took a coin out of my pocket, placed it in my hand, turned my chair towards his table, and with both hands extended in front of me, I reached into his line of vision two feet away, and said, "tell me which hand the coin is in." Immediately, he turned, facing me directly. smiling, ready to join me. My intent was not to fix him, but to join him.
With a clear voice, I repeated, "Guess which hand has the coin." He reached out to touch one hand, then the other. He was moving up and down with joy. I pulled my hands behind my back again to shift the coin. This time, when I brought my hands back in front of us, he quickly reached out to gently hold on to one hand, believing it held the coin. His whole body was laughing.
We continued the "game" several times, connecting with our eyes, our hands and with laughter. I was
warm inside. We were bonded.
One mother started to cry. She looked at me. "Thank you," she said through tears. "Thank you." Their food came and they ate together, all smiling.
Tuesday, February 28, 2017
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