Dandelions

Some days, I really love my job.

When I picked up Larry and Brian at Religious Ed this afternoon, they dropped their bookbags at my feet and made tracks to the playground (there’s a crucifix at the top of the playhouse) It was gorgeous out today, so I ignored the fact that they had ignored me and wandered over to sit in the sun. But before he let himself through the playground gate, Brian stopped and bent down, then turned around and came walking back to me with his hands behind his back. “Miss Emily,” he said, “this is for you!” and he held out a bright yellow dandelion. I didn’t even know what to say, so I just tickled him under his chin with the petals. He squished up his face in defense and then backtracked toward the swings. I don’t think I’ve ever been so happy to get a flower from a boy.

When we got home and everyone was done with homework, Brian’s friend called to ask if he could come over for a little while. It took some convincing on his part, but I agreed that he could ride his bike over, as long as he called home to let me know that he got there safely and wore his new watch and was responsible for getting himself back home by 6:15. I watched out the window as he rode down the street and waited by the phone until he called. “Hey,” he said. “Hey!” I said, “Thanks for calling!” “Well, you told me to!” At 6:14, his little Gap sneakers with the velcro came pounding up the steps and through the kitchen. He was all out of breath, but all smiles, too. He told me, “I left a little early, just to be sure. And I just made it!” I don’t know how I would have mustered any scolding even if he had been late!

Quote of the day: “You always knew where you were going to, so sweetly you said please come with you” – Third Eye Blind