Proud Mama Moment

Kadan has been playing with some girls of a different ethnicity around the neighborhood lately. Here is our conversation in the car today:

Kadan, "Mom, some people have dark skin."

Me, "Yup. And that's okay. Everybody's different."

Kadan, "Yea, I know. Cuz my friend has brown skin." (shrugs nonchalantly) "I like it. I think it looks good."

And here was the conversation we had as we were leaving my work (where there is a child with a disability, name changed for privacy):

Kadan, "Mom... John's just... kind of mean to me."

Me, "Well, honey, John has a disability" (I told him the name of the disability) "That means that even though he's a big kid, he doesn't know how to do all the things a big kid does. He doesn't know how to talk like you and he doesn't understand how to play like a big kid. He's not trying to be mean, he just doesn't know better."

We talked a little more about specific things "John" did.

Kadan, sounding a little worried, "Umm... mom.... will I get [that disability]?"

Me, "No, sweetie. It's not like being sick. You can't get it. Some people are just born that way. Everybody's born different."

Kadan, still a little worried, "Mom.... What if one of my new baby brothers or sisters is born that way?"

Me, "Then we would just love them anyways and we'd just help them learn as best we can."

Kadan, face brightens, "I can help! I can help them learn, Mom! That's what big brothers do. I can help teach him stuff."

Me, "I think that would be a very very nice thing for you to do!"

Kadan, "Yup. It would be okay. Everybody's different."

I could consider Kadan my hardest child in many ways.... but in moments like these I feel so lucky to be blessed to raise him and be his mother. I am in awe of how observant he is and what a good heart he has. I love you, buddy! I'm so proud of your kind heart and acceptance of people who are different!!! *MUAH!*