The Power of Children

This I believe in the power of a child’s sentiments and stories. As the oldest in my family, with three young brothers, I feel blessed to hear them laugh and cry. It sounds silly, but their mood reflects mine.

My five-year old brother, Reilly, always has something funny to say. One day, my mother called me from home to tell a story. At school, Reilly drew a picture of his family, excluding me. When his teacher asked why he didn’t include his sister, Aimee, Reilly responded, “She isn’t my sister anymore because she moved to Birginia.” Unable to pronounce Virginia, he always replaces the “V” with a “B.” His teacher explained that although his sister moved away, she will always be his sister. Reilly decided to draw me next to my family but included my boyfriend, John, who I moved to Virginia to be with. When his teacher came by again, she asked who the other boy in the picture was. Reilly explained, “That’s my sister’s boyfriend, John. He’s the reason she left me.” Hearing this, I felt heartbroken but it was so cute, I had to laugh.

Reilly attends a Catholic school, so everyday each child prays for someone they love. My mother says that since I have left, with the exception of a couple prayers for his baby brother, Oliver, he prays for me every day. I couldn’t have felt any more loved at that moment.

Nicolas is sixteen, almost seventeen. Diagnosed with ADHD at a young age, he has a difficult time in school and making friends. I love calling him and although he rarely responds with more than a two word answer, he tells my parents every detail of the conversation we had with excitement. I hate to see him cry when he is punished for his bad behavior and to see him not care about a thing in the world. I would do anything to help to escape feeling his sour mood.

Oliver was three months when I left home for Virginia. When he cries, I want to comfort him, and when he grins as he passes gas, I laugh.

When I am home, I love knowing I can tuck my brothers in at night, rock them to sleep, and spend quality time with them. I love being showered with their kisses and hearing the excitement in their voices as they tell me the latest news in their lives. Children are carefree, full of life, and the happiest people you will ever meet. I always take time to listen to their stories. They express their emotions through their stories and games.

The things children say are funny, heart-warming, and above-all, inspiring. They are creative in expressing their emotions to others. Adults could learn from children, but as you grow older, expressing your emotions becomes a thing of the past. A child’s giggles and tears affect my emotions and their stories melt my heart. Children are more than the future of the world; they are the joys of our present day lives and our teachers. With children comes responsibility, but also enchantment.