Last night young Ayden had a little bit of a toddler meltdown in the grocery store–I could not explain that he did not need a toy since Santa was bringing him lots tonight.. Nonetheless it became a ‘moment’ …
We talked in the car about it.. Finally, we made an agreement: He can buy a Pez dispenser … That’s ok with me, and only a buck out of pocket..
Afterwards, we made a trip to May’s Drive In (a great diner if you ever find yourself in Northern Schuylkill County) .. Ayden wanted french fries and pizza and I wanted a coke and grilled cheese..
A little Christmas magic happened in the process.
When we were entering the building, Ayden, still weary from his tantrum, saw a man exiting with a cane. Ayden said “I don’t have a cane like you, I have a candy cane.” It was simple innocence and the man responded in kind, “I hope you never have a cane like me.” Then conversation went on.. Ayden explained all about his dog Mutley and how he wants Scooby Doo bad guys for Christmas… The man explained that he had cancer and was on life support, nearly died, but is paralyzed on one side of his body..
It was one of those moments in time that meant something. Ayden, just being kind and pure in thought, brought great joy to someone who, as he explained, had little family or friendship this time of year.
Finally, at the end of the chance encounter, and with a little parental prodding, Ayden said “ho ho Merry Christmas!” as he shook the man’s frail hand…
And with that, I had a teaching event. Something that prevented me from being angry anymore about a two minute temper event. It may not have been a ‘ghost of Christmas’ like Scrooge saw, but it was still something.
This has been a trying month. My father found himself in a medical crisis but he is alive for Christmas. And this man, frail and limping with a cane, hopefully smiled a little more seeing a kind hearted young child wishing him a Merry Christmas..
