A Compliment from My Four Year Old

When my children and I were recovering from the flu, our four year old, the first to feel well again, was lonely for someone to play with. Since my miseries were complicated by a recent operation, I was definitely not up to handling complaints, and I finally said in desperation, “John, just go play by yourself in your room, please.”

Half an hour passed with no suspicious noises, and I became curious. I found John drawing pictures in his room, and my conscience began to prick me. Kneeling beside him, I took him in my arms and confessed, “I’ve been a pretty fussy mom today, haven’t I?”

He nodded.

“I didn’t mean to be, John. I just don’t feel well. But you’re much more important to me than my sore back or my cold, and I’m really sorry.”

He put his arm around me and smiled. “That’s okay, mom. I’m going to be really quiet now so you can rest.”

I gave him a hug. “I’m really proud of you for being so understanding, John.”

And then this loving four year old patted my shoulder in forgiveness and said, “I’m really proud of you for coming to talk to me, mom.” Jan Jansak Williams, Provo, Utah