There are days when Kamalani says things to me that just blows me away. For instance, while she was practicing her piano lessons she kept making mistakes with the tempo of the song. She kept looking to me to check if she was playing it moderately slow, as instructed. I’d shake my head and she’d try again, only this time she started counting slower. At first that only confused her and she started hitting the wrong keys or she’d lose count and then have to start from the beginning.

Finally, after throwing a tiny hissy fit, she took a deep breath then laid her fingers in position on the keys and counted her notes slowly while hitting the correct key. When she was done, she played it again and again until she felt confident that she had it right. Once that happened, she got off her chair and climbed on my lap, she laid her head against my chest and said, “I persevered right Grandma?” My kids never used words like that when they were 6 years old. Shit, I don’t even use that word and I’m 45. I suppose I could but then who would I say it to?
I told her she did and I was proud that she kept on trying even though she thought she couldn’t do it correctly. I think I was more relieved than she was. I didn’t have to bite my tongue anymore. ~L~

After thought: While on a field trip with my oldest son when he attended Kamehameha Preschool, he pointed out a trapezoid planter to me. Then he asked if I knew what a trapezoid was. It really sucks when your 4 year old kid knows something that you don’t. I mentioned it to his teacher and she just chuckled.  She said she loves the reaction parents give when their kids say big words.  She must mean the “deer in headlights” look that I had.  ~LOL~