Proud moment

Yesterday, Maïa and I were frantically trying to get her little Valentines all done for her friends at daycare. Well, I was frantic, she was just putting on stickers and writing out names, calm as could be. I had written up a list of the kids in her class, and I felt that there was someone missing.

"Katrina isn't on the list!" Maïa shouted. So I added her on, Maïa wrote her name on the Valentine, and we went along our merry way, completing the task. Later that evening, when Maïa was in bed, I heard her shouting. Derek went in to check on her; it's rather unlike her to say anything these days after her head hits the pillow. Derek came back, a smile on his face.

"What was wrong?"

"She said that we forgot Aliza on the list. She wanted to make sure we made a Valentine for her, too."

I couldn't believe how thoughtful she was! She was so concerned that we make a card for everyone in her class that she had to let us know. It came to her as she was falling asleep, and she had to make sure that Aliza wasn't left out. I might note, here, that while Maïa doesn't necessarily dislike this girl, she has never spoken fondly of her... she barely speaks of her at all.

Yet Maïa has this sense of justice, of equity, already at this young age. She didn't want anyone to be left out. When I realised this, my heart just welled up in immense pride. I've felt proud of her countless times before, like when she does big puzzles all on her own, or sounds out words and writes them out, or when she draws her amazing creations. But I've never felt anything like this. This generosity she has in her little soul is something that surpasses what I've taught her (at least directly) and what I expect of her. It goes beyond the academic or the sporty. It's deeper. It's part of her, and it's beautiful.

I'm just proud that this little kid is my daughter.