So Sweet of That

This week's current events will be a little more local - actually, extremely local.

My daughter was with the same childcare providers from 11 to 32 months of age - or, in teacher terms, for two whole school years. This week, her teachers are moving back to the wife's hometown. And I am learning a lot about the complex emotional life of a two-year-old undergoing her first experience of loss.

Two days ago, she was sullen on the car ride home. As I was getting her out of her car seat, I asked her if she was sad. Her reply: I'm sad because Becky and John are moving away.

Ouch. Until she said that, I really believed she had only a vague concept, if any, of what was happening. But no, these are her friends, and she's sad they're moving away.

I never used to really understand parents wanting to pretend everything was okay in the world, to keep their kids happy at all times. How artificial, I used to think, how emotionally dishonest.

Then I had a little girl who was heartbroken because she missed her friends, and I had to force myself to admit to her that I was sad about it too, when all I wanted to do was make things be okay. We sat around and talked. She painted a picture.

Tonight, we talked about it again. I asked her if she felt sad. Yeah, she said, but I'm a little bit happy, too.

Why, baby?

Because they loved me. And then, the biggest toddler compliment she knows: They're so sweet of that.

So that's where I will stand too. Sad, but happy.

11 months old - first week of school.

32 months old - last week of school.