The sum of the parts

In school Lily's class has been learning about the human body and all its parts. As a piece of this unit they did a cute little activity that involved writing a statement about one of their body parts and having their photo taken demonstrating that statement.

A brief intermission before I proceed with the story.

In my mom role I rarely set out to deliberately teach my kids anything. As I type that I realize it doesn't exactly make me look like Mom of the Year. Not sure I was ever in the running for that award, anyway, so I'll just carry on.

There are only two things I can think of that I have set out to teach my kids so far - meaning I have spent time planning and executing the teaching of them. These things are sleeping and toilet training, and I've got to say that I found neither of them enjoyable. I guess I'm just not a flash card flipping-type mom.

I suppose there could be a sense of accomplishment if I did try very hard to teach my kids something specific and see them demonstrate that learning, but it's just not that thrilling for me. Instead I marvel when my kids all of a sudden know their colours or can recognize their written name. They learn so much through exposure and natural, inquisitive discussions that I never really feel the need to have dedicated learning time.

Anyway, enough about me. Back to the real subject here.

So, the kids were asked by their teacher to name the best part of their body and explain why. I have since asked Lily how the other kids responded. One girl said her hair, because it makes her beautiful.

This, this dear folks is what Lily came up with.

Instant tears.

I was amazed.

I'd like to say I am proud that she came up with that, but pride requires personal involvement in an achievement to some extent and, for the reasons outlined above, this has nothing to do with anything I've done.

Lily nailed it, too, because if there is one statement that can relay what it is to be Lily, that is it. She does have pretty awesome hair, too, and I'm pretty partial to her beautiful blue eyes and I love her adorable still-kinda-toddlerish hands - but none of these have anything on how incredibly kind, thoughtful and empathetic Lily is. It is simply, wonderfully how she was made.

And I am amazed.

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