“I was on the playground when a three-year-old girl I have cared for before came up to me and said to me in her adorable little voice, “I like when you are here.” Then tears ran down my wife’s face. 

 

By Louis DeLauro

Sometimes we need kind words and a hug.

In Buddhism, we learn that right speech is important. Right speech is speech that doesn’t hurt others.

Right speech is truthful.

Right speech avoids slandering others.

Right speech is never rude.

Right speech is not idle talk or gossip.

American Buddhists often think of right speech is when we use words that are kind and gentle. Words that might lift someone’s spirit are encouraged.

I have taught for 34 years in public and private schools. I love teaching and I relate well with students, colleagues, and parents, but in all my years of teaching, I have never uttered words or heard speech as perfect as what my wife heard on Wednesday, November 13, which was coincidentally World Kindness Day.

Years ago my wife, Krista, was an amazing editor. She also worked as a veterinary technician and more recently she worked with elderly people at an assisted living facility. About three months ago she started working as an assistant teacher at a daycare center. I know Krista has been awesome at all of her jobs because she cares immensely about animals, the elderly, and of course children. She is an empath and understands deeply when others are hurting. Krista has a beautiful smile and a warm heart.

On November 13, my wife came home and told me a story.

She was a bit overwhelmed and teary when she told me, “They move me around at work a lot. I go where I am needed, and I don’t complain. I just go with the flow. Some days I am with the babies. Some days I work with the toddlers. So today, I spent time with the three-year-olds.”

She paused and wiped a tear. Then she paused again.

“I was on the playground when a three-year-old girl I have cared for before came up to me and said to me in her adorable little voice, “I like when you are here.”

Then tears ran down my wife’s face.

I paused. And I smiled at my wife. And she smiled back even though she was crying.

“It was the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me,” she whispered.

I hugged my wife, and I said, “I am sorry I have not said anything quite as beautiful to you, but you should know I like it when you are here too.”

Krista has survived three lifesaving heart surgeries. Her life has never been physically or emotionally easy, but she rarely complains. Over the years, she has not been recognized enough by her supervisors or colleagues for her outstanding contributions at work. Her family and friends have not celebrated her enough in this lifetime either. I know that every day Krista works with toddlers and babies she gives them kind words and love. I know she is a difference-maker in this big bad world.

I am thankful a three-year-old girl had the right words to bring my wife to tears. Happy tears.

Now it’s your turn. Go tell someone today, “I like when you are here.”

Give them a hug too.

 

Photo: Pixabay

Editor: Dana Gornall

 

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