Ank you, Da-ye

This morning I had the most interesting conversation with Kari. On our way to dropping him off at school, he saw a truck with some guys sitting in the back. He wanted to know why they were sitting in the back of the truck. Not wanting to tell him I didn't know (fathers know everything), I said:

Me: "They are going to work."

Kari: "Why da-ye (daddy)?"

Me: Wondering how to get out of this trap I just laid for myself. "Well...just the way Mommy goes to work and Daddy goes to work, they are also going to work. But Kari goes to school" Feeling proud of my answer and believing that was the end of that morning's 'Why Interrogation', I smiled and sighed with relief.

And then...

Kari: "Why da-ye?"

Me: "Why what son?" I decided to inquire further. "Why do you go to school?"

Kari: "No." Now he starts using various forms of gestures which his mommy and I are mastering, "Why (pointed at me) work da-ye?" In other words, why do you work daddy?

Me: Stunned. And like Michael Jackson, Speechless. To buy time I said, "Good question son. Very good question." I look at the rearview mirror to check if he is still interested in the conversation and to my disappointment, his gaze is dead set on me. "Well son...Daddy works to get money to take care of Kari." Aha! Not bad. I felt proud of myself. However, nothing could have prepared me for my little's boy's response.

He said...

Wait for it...

Here goes...

Kari: "ank you da-ye." In other words, "Thank you daddy."

Me: I looked at my wife. She looks at me. We looked at Kari. We smiled. My hear rate increased. My ears not believing what it just heard. My mind wondering if he understands what he just said. Anyway, I responded, "You're welcome son."

Lesson: Never ever ever ever underestimate your kids' understanding, curiosity, or their ability to soften your heart.

Activity # 28 - Big Boy School

Kari started Pre-School this week. We have been preparing him for this for a few months now so by the time the first day of school arrived, he was pumped. He has been telling everyone that he is "going to big school." We are very proud of him. He embraced this new chapter in his life like a 'big boy'.

When we arrived at school on the first day, we were more than a little scared to see the size of many of the other kids. For a minute, I became scared for Kari. My confidence returned after remembering that he has proven he can handle himself despite his small size and disability.

In school, in addition to his teacher, he has a Para-professional because of his special needs. She seemed great and suited for the role. He quickly warmed up to her allowing us to leave much sooner than anticipated (I thought we would be there until midday but left at around 9).

My son is a big boy - SCARY but exciting. In another year, he will be off to Primary School and I really don't feel ready but realize that I will have to be when the time comes. Until then, we'll just enjoy 'Big Boy School'.

Activity # 27 - Boston Bus Ride

While in Boston for Kari's annual medical check-ups and treatments earlier this year, we decided to use the public transportation system. After spending a great deal of money on taxis for the past three years, we decided (or more like our budget protested) that we had to travel more wisely (and inconveniently at times). We had a speech appointment at Children's Hospital in Waltham at 9:00am and started our journey at 7:15am. Being an early riser, I was cool but Princess was struggling. Anyway, we did manage to get to the bus stop on time.

The system was relatively easy to follow. Our only unpleasant incident was asking a bus driver after we switched buses for confirmation on the route to our final destination. Before I was finished telling him where we were headed, he quickly stated that he cannot help us. Princess felt he was racist and so she was a little uncomfortable on the journey. I just felt he could not help us.

The bus ride turned out to be much longer than I anticipated. Many times I wondered if we were on the right bus. Princess said we were and I accepted that simply because she has better navigation skills than I do (it's pathetic and embarrassing but I live with it). It was a good experience for all of us. It built our confidence for traveling on public transportation in Boston and more importantly, Kari had fun and some well-needed rest.