The Purpose of Life: Thanksgiving and Beyond

I still have an unhappy child.

It has been a month and a bit since school restarted and Hans hasn't made a friend yet. Every morning is a struggle. Last month, it was even worse as Hans was in a group with 3 kids that he couldn't relate to at all. He looked forward to his group changing this month. He now has 1 kid he can hang out with.

Teachers like to organize kids into groups of 3-5. This practice is most prevalent in elementary schools. I am not sure if anyone has conducted a study on how effective this practice really is?! Are teachers teaching team work or is it a mere attempt at some sort of classroom management?!

As usual, I digress.

I happened to see Hans' teacher last week and he wondered if the boy is happy with his new group?! The teacher remarked that Hans showed tremendous patience with one of the kids in his last group and even the teacher felt like the boy needed a break. However, my job is not to give the teacher a break; my job is to thank the teacher and provide some honest feedback. So, I did. I let the teacher know that I appreciate his efforts to make my child feel good in his classroom. There is only that much we can do for Hans as a parent or a teacher. He needs to find a friend and somehow find his happiness. That's entirely up to Hans.

Coincidentally, last week, Hans wondered why he is on Earth?! On our way to school one morning, he remarked that he does not know the purpose of his life. He actually compared himself to a dog and said that it doesn't matter if the dog exists or he exists. It is all interchangeable and meaningless.

On one hand, I was super impressed with his level of thinking. On the other hand, I was super depressed at this line of thinking. I had to quickly do a Momley intervention and I engaged him in a dialogue. It does seem like a kid's purpose in life is to go to school and learn to read, write and do some math. It is kinda boring and mundane. But it is essential to be part of the milieu before we can separate ourselves from it.

I let Hans know that the purpose of my life is to take care of Hans and his brother. Together, they make my life meaningful. Eventually, the boys will find their respective purposes of their lives.

I am not sure if I got through to Hans?!

Meanwhile, I am going to borrow some words that have always inspired me and often remind me about my own purpose of life. 

 

To laugh often and much

To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children

To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends

To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others

To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition

To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived

This is to have succeeded.

 

-          Ralph Waldo Emerson

 

 

Thank you boys for making my existence interesting and worthwhile! And I hope you never doubt your existences ever.