There are milestones big and small in every child's life. Learning to walk, to ride a bike, losing a first tooth, to name just a few. But there are also hidden milestones-- those moments that no one notices but you.
Reya said 'good morning' to her teacher this morning.
No big deal to most people. A lot of the other kids have been doing it for a while now. But with Reya it had become quite a challenge. Every day her teacher would say good morning to her, and Reya would respond by wrapping herself around my legs, and burying her head in my thigh. We talked about it at home, telling her the importance of saying hi to teachers and friends, of acknowledging those who are close to you, even suggesting a wave as a compromise. She gave the same answer every time: she was too shy.
For Reya, the great meaning and importance of things is always at hand. She is a deep river, with strong channels and high banks; a force of nature with the softest, sweetest hugs you can imagine. I bargained, pleaded, yelled (not proud to say it but I did), and when nothing worked, came to the conclusion that we would wait and hope that this was a stage she would eventually grow out of.
Months went by.
And this morning we walked into class as we always do. And I took off Reya's coat and backpack as I always do. And I knelt down and said 'can you say good morning to Ms. Yvonne?', as I always do. And Reya took a step back, looked at Ms. Yvonne and said 'good morning'.
No big deal to some. Momentous for me. Milestone for her.
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