Violet had one piece of gum left. One, precious piece of Trident gum from Mimi. And without a word, of her own volition, she split it into three even parts so she could share it with Rushika and me instead of enjoying it all to herself. She was so happy to give it to us. So happy to see our reactions. So proud of her decision. Such a small item, such a big deal.
When we were in Hawaii, we went to a fair with children's game booths. Violet did the "fishing" booth and got two bracelets. But what she really wanted was to win a game and choose a prize from the prize box. The games were just too hard for her. She used all the tickets we had, but couldn't win a prize from the box. It was a heartbreaking lesson for a little girl who really wanted a prize, and a heartbreaking lesson for her parents who couldn't change the results. After just a few disappointed tears, Violet accepted that she wasn't going to win another prize. And then she slipped one of her bracelets around Daphne's ankle, dangling from the carrier, and marched off to dance to the band and ride a pony. Because if Violet was too small to win a prize, certainly Daphne was, too.
I read somewhere that you should never stifle a generous impulse in your child. Never say, "Oh no thank you honey, keep it for yourself," or "Are you sure you want to give that away?" Just sit back and let your child experience the feeling you get from giving something away.
Violet, child, you are special.
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