Article Link: http://exchangepress.com/article/becoming-fully-human-or-what-matters-most-relationships-in-child-care-settings/5013716/
A familiar car pulls up the driveway. Barely at a stop, the vehicle's rear passenger door flies open. Out pops a familiar little blond head. He is at the door in a nanosecond greeting me, arms unloading his important "fings," eyes searching the surroundings for both change and familiar faces. The other children pounce on this little visitor. They immediately begin chasing, giggling, and wrestling. Periodically they stop, folding over in hysterical laughter. Their joy at being together jets out from every pore in their bodies.These children spent three years together in my family child care program. Now they are reunited for a sleepover. Age and gender seem to be of no consequence. Shared memories, their love for this place, and their love for one another bring them back together right where they left off.
We run out for some snacks and a movie. With no prompting, their hands reach out to one another as their feet hit the sidewalk. They walk hand in hand into and throughout the store. Every step of the way I fight back tears. I really love these children, and I know they love me. But now, at this moment, I am touched deeply by their love ...