When a child learns to communicate, those first words emerge like candy from a dispenser, sweet and colorful. They gift us with their newly found words. Each word holds a world of meaning, opening doors to deeper connections and understanding.
I find myself utterly captivated by this spontaneous expression. It reminds me that life's simplest moments can be the most profound. Children possess an innate ability to communicate from the heart what matters to them.
And oh, how I listen! With rapt attention, I savor each note of their composition. I am moved by the authenticity of their communication, unfiltered and raw, reminding me of the need to express ourselves with our language, be it in love, frustration, joy… or "I have something to say!"
The child's language journey is a masterpiece in progress, a testament to the power of curiosity, creativity, and connection.
Gabriel's English blossoms daily. On the other hand, Olivia, unlike Gabriel at his age, enjoys playfully repeating English words. It's endearing to see Gabriel watching her intently, seemingly thinking, "Hey, I could do that too!"
The other day, as I was preparing lunch in the kitchen, Gabriel suddenly jumped into a conversation with me. His enthusiasm caught me off guard, and I struggled to comprehend his words. However, I was determined to understand what he wanted to convey. I asked him to repeat his words and tried echoing what I thought he meant. Unfortunately, my attempts to grasp his message were in vain, as I seemed to be missing the mark completely. His French is far better than his English, and he only tries to speak English to me.
Patiently, Gabriel repeated his words slowly, letting me piece together his darling thought. With a joyful gleam in his eyes, he shared, and I understood after his fifth attempt,
"Bambi (his beloved stuffed animal) "fais" is fist feps. I fee em! I fo appy, I appy tears."
I repeated, "Bambi took his first steps! And you saw him! You are so happy! You have Happy Tears!"
He held Bambi closed and beamed, "Yes!"
I couldn't help but be overwhelmed by the sheer sweetness of Gabriel's imagination. His love for Bambi and his rich emotional expression of joy. Knowing that the first steps are a significant milestone in a baby's "life" were heartwarming. It was a reminder of how children observe our attitudes, actions, emotions… our responses to life and learn from them.
As I hugged him tightly, I marveled at his sharing with me and the beautiful emotions he could now express in words, in happy tears.
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