BOB LACKS THE MAMA CHOPS

In the previous post I focused a bit on the hissy fits, the better to convey the time confusion and full-strength energy drainage a grandparent experiences simply by being in the time warp generated by a toddler. Actually, the trio were mostly smiles and giggles, it was just the occasional screeching whirligig that was so salient for me because I am not the general arbiter or refuge they require at that age. In the one big tussle, when I tried but could not console the loser Mitsuki (I lack the requisite mama chops), she would have none of my blandishments.

As Mitsuki neared the earsplitting crescendo at the absence of her mother while her nemesis Miasa was victoriously enjoying her solo self on the desired toy, Kaya all at once stopped what she was doing in another part of the room, came over and knelt beside Mitsuki, saying in an adult way I'd never observed in her before, "It's ok, it's ok, come on over there and play with me," and took her abruptly only sniffly little sister over there where she made up a game involving chairs that soon had them both laughing, while I just sat on the floor stunned with admiration. Five-year-old Kaya had quickly and simply resolved a situation that had stumped me, despite my impressive curriculum vitae.

Kaya has clearly known how to perform this miracle for some time now, but only does so when it becomes absolutely necessary-- as when their mother is absent, events have come to a head and the onsite adult is short of miracles. The hidden breadth in little children never ceases to amaze me. What genuine hope for the world is there!