Several weeks ago I shared some concerns and assumptions regarding the uber-important process of Valentine distribution in Pre-Schools. For example:
Don’t be too quick to assume the kid who doesn’t hand out cards has an absentee parent, or is a Jehovah’s Witness. More than likely, the “oversight” is an intentional way of putting a vibe out that the child is “too cool”
Though not quite ready to admit that I was wrong in stating the above, (as clearly I wasn’t), based on true events, I am ready to amend this hypothesis.
As Emilia and I were making homemade cards for her classmates, she kept repeating, “I want to make Sebastian’s card”. I was suspicious, but not alarmed. Eventually, I made the grave mistake of asking for a bit more info. “He’s my boyfriend”, she responded. In that very moment, as my life flashed before me, I vowed to buy a defibrillator for my home.
A few days later, as I picked her up from school, Emilia made the rounds of goodbyes to her classmates, calling each by name. It was the first time I saw Sebastian, who struck me as the preschool equivalent of People Magazine's “Sexiest Man Alive”. Again, I bit my tongue, deciding to wait and see how things played out before rushing her to a convent.
Well, the big day came and went, and Emilia did not receive even a Dora sticker from Sebastian. I’m not sure whether to credit the sugar high or the short attention span of a toddler, but Emila didn’t seem to notice. So, I stuck with my original assumption that the George-Clooney-in-training was “too cool for school”. Thankfully, I was wrong.
The next day, Emilia arrived home from school with a special twinkle in her eye, and an envelope in her hand. Sebastian had been sick on Valentines Day, but made up for the absence upon his return.
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| (front of the card) |
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| (inside) |
After I read the card, she grabbed it from my hand and gave it a sweet but simple kiss… then quickly stopped herself, shouting excitedly “I don’t want to get it wet!”
Thankfully, I was able to steal a second look to size things up (i.e. over-analyze the crap out of it). Here's what I learned:
Sebastian didn’t sign the card himself, which was a bit of a disappointment, but let’s face it… Anyone who’s anyone in LA has an assistant. More important, was how he wrote her name on his own, and spelled it correctly (quite a feat for any name in my household). But of the greatest importance was the enormous smile he put on her face…
So, was I wrong? Not really. There are certainly times when my original thoughts still apply. But I do need to make one significant addition. Next Valentines Day, if your child doesn't receive a goodie from their crush, just remember... He could be holding out, saving his card for the very next moment when it will stand out a tad more- and make an even greater impression.
