My son, Evan, was born with a kind and generous spirit. It was recognizable from an early age when he demonstrated concern for his friends and family members. People complimented my husband and me and told us we were doing a wonderful job of parenting him. We thanked them, but we often felt unworthy of the praise. Evan deserved most of the credit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One time Evan got upset with me (mildly, of course) on an exit ramp because I didn\u2019t stop and offer money to a man requesting help on the side of the road. It was pouring rain, and safety was my primary concern. But after Evan\u2019s pleas, I re-entered the interstate and exited again so I could hand the man five dollars. I knew then that he could buy a meal, and my son could fall asleep that night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Evan\u2019s thoughtfulness isn\u2019t limited to humans either. He can often be found rescuing caterpillars and earthworms from our gravel driveway and releasing the occasional ladybug who makes its way into our home back into the wild. He truly wants everyone (and thing) to be happy and comfortable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, given his nature, I wasn\u2019t surprised when Evan told me he had befriended a new student in his third-grade class. \u201cHis name is Kriss, and he\u2019s from Guatemala,\u201d Evan said. \u201cHe doesn\u2019t seem to understand or speak any English, but I really feel like I need to be his friend.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I told Evan that was a great idea, and he should definitely try to make a connection. As a teacher, I have seen the difficulties that students face when transferring to a new school, and language barriers can make a child feel even more isolated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Evan would come home and update us on his school day, and Kriss was often part of the conversation. \u201cKriss has a teacher who helps him with his English during class,\u201d Evan said. \u201cBut Kriss and I spend time together during recess. We like to swing and play basketball.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat\u2019s great, honey,\u201d I told Evan. \u201cI\u2019m glad you are enjoying time with your new friend.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What I didn\u2019t realize was how much time Evan was dedicating to being able to communicate with Kriss. He was staying up after bedtime to watch beginning Spanish videos and had already learned greetings and names of common classroom items.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Toward the end of the year, Evan\u2019s teacher helped members of the class publish a book with their own writing and illustrations. She invited parents to attend a book signing party, and as soon as I arrived, Evan introduced me to Kriss. The two boys then got in line for snacks, and I attempted to make myself comfortable at Evan\u2019s desk. Once I was seated, I noticed an unfamiliar book on top of Evan\u2019s math workbook. It was an introductory Spanish book for children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I asked Evan about the book when we were driving home. \u201cI checked it out from the library,\u201d he said. \u201cI needed to learn a few things so I could ask Kriss how his weekend was. He has to have someone to talk with.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I realized in the car that afternoon exactly how hard my child had been working to make sure Kriss felt welcome and part of the class. Evan had assumed responsibility for another child\u2019s social adjustment. It was mind boggling and emotionally overwhelming. I hadn\u2019t taught him to do that. Sure, we emphasized the importance of inclusion and friendliness, but I hadn\u2019t told him to do that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I\u2019m so grateful for daily acts of kindness and people who pay it forward. I appreciate good deeds, and I try to emulate those who keep kindness at the center of all they do. I\u2019m glad I have someone to look up to\u2026and that he lives with me.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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