Yesterday, I saw, heard, and experienced many things related to children.
I took these two photos on my way in to work:
Then, in individual and group therapy, I worked with people who had
- lost children
- felt lost, as children, and
- last week had lost somebody they loved as children, to suicide.
Here’s some of that work in progress, drawn by a former child, on a board:
I left work, as I usually do on Wednesdays, around noon time. This is what I heard, on my walk back to my car:
That‘s Bernadette Peters singing “Children Will Listen,” from Stephen Sondheim‘s Into the Woods. Here are the words she’s singing:
Careful the things you say,
Children will listen.
Careful the things you do,
Children will see and learn.
Children may not obey
But children will listen.
Children will look to you
For which way to turn
To learn what to be.
Careful before you say,
“Listen to me.”
Children will listen.
Careful the wish you make.
Wishes are children.
Careful the path they take.
Wishes come true,
Not free.
Careful the spell you cast
Not just on children.
Sometimes the spell may last
Past what you can see
And turn against you.
Careful the tale you tell
That is the spell.
Children will listen.
Guide them, then step away,
Children will glisten.
Tamper with what is true
And children will turn
If just to be free.
Careful before you say,
“Listen to me.”
Children will listen.
Children will listen.
Children will listen.
Because it was Christmas eve, there were very few people around during my walk back to my car. But I still noticed children (and people who have been very important to children).
Then, at my workplace garage, I saw Selemun, who was especially kind last year, when my only child was sick.
I also saw this reindeer car at my workplace garage:
… which appeared previously in this here post.
On my drive back home, I stopped for more children-related things:
Then, last night, I witnessed lots of beautiful children (and former children) giving and receiving gifts:
Thanks to children and adults in my family, to all those who work — and those who live on — in the Fenway Park area of Boston, to Bernadette Peters and Stephen Sondheim, to people who listen, and to all children and former children (including you!) visiting here, today.
And thanks to you fine lady, for providing this nourishing place to visit each day…..
Thanks for listening. It means a lot.
I am so grateful to you for being able to see through your eyes.
What a beautiful comment. I am very grateful for you.
What beautiful observations. Thank you. 🙂
Thank YOU, Master of Chatter.
Thanks for sll you do.
Yeah, “former children” can still be kids at heart, right!?
Vincent
Absolutely, Vincent. Thanks for listening, so well.
Reblogged this on johncoyote and commented:
A amazing blog. Please stop by and enjoy her thoughts and life.
Thanks so much, John! I am honored.
You are welcome.
Beautiful observation ! love it…it feels so nice visiting your blog…Merry Christmas 🙂
It feels so nice having you visit! Thank you and welcome.
I love seeing things anew through the eyes of a child Ann. Happy Holidays to you and yours. ❤
Diana xo
Thanks for all you do, Diana, including reading here.
Merry Christmas, Ann.
Thank you, Maureen!!
Loved the words to that song. Children listen. They see. They become what is modeled for them. We must take such care!
And – how is it children see the world? I want a bit of that magic back!
Hope your day is peaceful and beautiful and full of good food, family, and friends.
Thanks for bringing your magic here, Emilie. I wish you, also, peace, beauty, good food, family, and friends.
Speaking of children…. I think I spotted Aaron in one of those photos. It’s seems like kind of a miracle that he was born, given your very unusual heart. Do you think so?
It’s all miracles with me, kidding or not, Maureen.
No kidding, Ann. Special to us all.
Thanks for this special comment, Mark!
I can’t imagine losing a child and hope I never experience that type of pain.
I agree, Joanne.
Thank you for this! Merry Christmas!
You are most welcome! Merry Christmas to you, as well.
Marry and blessed Christmas Ann !
Thank you, George, for taking the time to visit, read, and comment.
As a former teacher I know kids are like sponges. It is important to be careful of what you spill out in front of them. Some kids love to be kidded, and others who are more sensitive, do not. A good teacher knows the difference.
-Alan
And a Happy New Year, Ann.
Happy New Year, Alan. I so appreciate your comments here, and look foward to many more.
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Lovely post, with great lyrics. I am always amazed by the wonderful people my children have become (in spite of saying and doing things I shouldn’t have).
Yes, none of us parents are perfect, are we? I am not at all surprised, Hilary, to find out that your children are wonderful people.
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