We took the “littles” out for dinner last night as a good bye, we’ll see you in a month celebration. You see, Grandpa and I retire for a month to warmer climates. You know….sun, warmth and…well, you get the idea.
Driving to our destination we started our favorite jingle: “I’m so hungry I could eat a ____”, and we were all happy. In a moment of silence the 7 year old started a conversation about sadness. She stated how sad she was that mommy and daddy were getting a divorce. We acknowledged her feelings and remained quiet. She said she gets to go to a lady at the same place her dad goes, to talk about feelings. She wondered what that would be like. I told her it would be a safe place where she could share her sadness or any emotion she was feeling. One of the coolest things about it would be that only she and the lady would know what she talked about unless the lady felt she was in danger. She then asked if she could say bad words in these sessions. This from a kid who , to the best of my knowledge, has never had a swear word cross her lips. I responded with a yes, she probably could, but she might want to talk to the counselor about that!
She is sad. She is irritable and easy to cry. She says she doesn’t feel good physically. She has reason to feel this way. Her world as she has always known it is coming to an end. She is sensitive so I’m guessing telling mom she misses daddy feels like a betrayal. I am glad she talks to us and shares her feelings. I am glad she will be getting counseling. But like any parent or grandparent we don’t want our kids/littles to hurt.
My sweet “little”, I am sad too. Just remember , we love you, we are here for you whether you are happy or sad. Our home will always be a safe place to land.
