Dealing with change and stretching ourselves is hard. My grandson recently experienced this. Although he had not previously been having trouble separating from mom and dad, kindergarten seemed daunting. The tears began the first day and continued in the days that followed. There were questions and discussions, “What seems to be the matter?” But to no avail. Different approaches were tried. . .but tears turned to sobbing. Then a deal was made. No tears for one week – you can look at the catalogue; no tears for two weeks – you can order the specially chosen prize. It seemed like it would work. Monday came. Almost . . . but tears. Tuesday came and while waiting outside the school for the moment to arrive, anxiety built. “Mom, this is so hard.” The tears were close to pushing through a horrendous effort to be stoic. Then Mom said the right words, “Grab your sister’s hand,” (three years older), “and just run!” Off they went – into the building and to the first door on the right. No tears! The teacher looked in amazement. It worked!
I think this is a prescription for us all when we’re struggling to adjust. We just need to grab the hand of someone who loves us and go forward!
“Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falls; for he hath not another to help him up.” Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
Amy Wildman White 