Yesterday I had a pizza lunch with two kindergarten boys. Making an attempt to start a conversation, I asked a question typical of an adult.
“Well boys, Thanksgiving is only two days away. What are you two thankful for?”
The first one said he was thankful that he could get to a particular level of Super Mario. Genuine gratitude- untainted by adult suggestions.
The second one said he was thankful that they made ‘budder’ in school today. Apparently his kindergarten class had made butter by taking turns shaking cream in a jar.
Then he burst into a butter-making song that went something like this. (Think Elmer Fudd here).
“Thake the budder heah, thake the budder theah, thake the budder all awound and ev…whe.. waya!”
He sang with such enthusiasm his buddy joined in. They were shaking their hands in large circles as they repeated this chant. After about twelve identical verses of this jingle I decided I’d try a diversionary tactic. (I’m not their mudder so I couldn’t demand they quit.)
“Boys, I said, “It’s not long before the holidays. What are you wishing for?”
The boy who had not yet discovered his “r’s” said. “I wish the man in the big twuck hadn’t come and filled in the big pothole by our bus stop. It’s waining and today would be a gweat day to jump in it.”
“Yeah” said the second boy. “But now it’s gone.” They shared a sad look with each other.
“Boys,” I said, “Here’s some good news. In just a few months your pothole… will… be… back!”
They were so excited they cheered a loud cheer pumping hands in the air with half chewed pizza on display in their wide open mouths.
Simple, pure, kindergarten wishes. Let’s hear it for the potholes!
DaunaEasley 