I can’t seem to pack up the holiday decorations fast enough and this year was no exception.  After the flu sweeping through our family, car problems plaguing us, and planned visits with family and friends cancelled, I feel like I need a repeat of the four week break minus all the yuck.  But since that’s not an option, I’ll settle for moving forward into a new year with high hopes for good health and running vehicles.

I realized that following my amazing birthday celebration I lost touch with everyone.  Our break was a solitary one and I sorely missed fellowship with those I love.  Christmas just didn’t feel like Christmas should and a little grey cloud his decided fog up my heart and mind.

So returning to our homeschool co-op today felt so great!  With excitement we packed our lunches, chose outfits and crammed illegally into the truck, headed for a day of learning, fun, and friends!  How blessed we are to school with a community of lovely people!

Between afternoon classes, Jack ran into my arms with such an unhappy face that I asked him what could be wrong?  He exclaimed, “A boy called me a mean name!”   Jack, rarely an innocent party during conflict, was seriously sad, but my suspicions were aroused.

I asked, somewhat worried, “What was the mean name he called you?”

Sincerely, Jack took a deep breath and whispered, “Burpy-Face.”

Ok, I seriously couldn’t help it.  I giggled.  I really did and then I felt so bad because he started to cry.  Oh my- bad mommy moment.  Quickly, I pulled myself together and asked him if would be able to forgive his friend for hurting his feelings and he assured me could.

I realized later how fortunate I am that in first grade, the ugliest word this little guy could muster was something so benign.  I hear stories about kids Jack’s age and I cringe.  Young children are exposed to all manner of vulgarity and indecency and innocence is lost long before it should be.  Today I was incredibly thankful for the teeny tiny bubble still surrounding my little boy’s heart.  Real life ugliness will invade his world soon enough, but for now, he’s still small and safe.

p.s.  At dinner I asked Jack what had provoked his friend to call him a name and Jack explained that he had been chasing the boy trying to grab him and pretending to kiss him.  Well, there you go.  Burpy-Face indeed.