Monday, 19 November 2018

Exchanges of all sorts

This school year, Chucky/Junior is not at Hans' school. The parents decided to go the private route and it seems like the boy is happy at his new school. In a wonderful coincidence, Hans is also very happy at his school.

Last Friday, Junior's mom reached out to me to help her sell their piano. If anyone reaches out to me, I help that person very sincerely to the best of my abilities. So, I sent out some feelers to friends and family and, in a strange twisted way, the piano ended up in my home.

Junior's family is leaving the neighbourhood and they decided to just give their piano to us instead of selling it! Junior has stopped playing the piano 6 months ago. On Saturday morning, we had the piano.

Junior was the boy who tortured Hans to no end at one point in life. His mom wants us to remember them forever through the piano. I am glad it worked out this way. Best to remember anyone through their kindness than their harshness! On another happy note, our piano is going to Sir B/UB who may put it to some good use.

The exchange of pianos was all decided within the length of one day. And within a day, many kind words were exchanged as well. It showed maturity and growth from all parties involved. It was a Momley kinda day!

And talking of growth and maturity, Hans scored his first Hockey goal! It took him 2 seasons and a bit, but he finally did it. Craigley decided to celebrate with a family dinner at Hans' choice restaurant. The boy ended up choosing a classmate’s parents' new restaurant that they recently opened in our neighbourhood.

We had a delicious time and we made the restaurant owners happy. They told Hans that they would let their son know that his classmate graced their restaurant. They made Hans feel like some celebrity! And Hans showed that he has grown in more ways than one. He graciously thanked his classmate's parents and put them back in the spotlight.

That was Saturday. We had 2 days of back to back celebrations and sweet exchanges. What brought it all home was what happened on Sunday morning.

Hans had Hockey School, and as soon as he came back, he started playing on his "new" piano for the first time. Just then, my mom called and when I answered the phone, she wanted to know if Hans was on the piano?! When I responded in the affirmative, she stated that the piano sounded different than before. Then, we both stopped talking and listened to Hans playing the piece he has been practising for a while. When he was done, my mom and I agreed that the boy is quite good and thanked him.

Last Tuesday, Hans got his progress report. It appeared like a solid B and the boy was informed rather strictly that he was going nowhere with such a mediocre report card. The boy believed his father and he was worried. He is only 10 and I assured him that he will be going somewhere!

I am glad I did because...

Last Friday, Hans had an early Art lesson and he showed brilliance in how quickly he picked up a colouring technique.

On Saturday, he scored his first goal in spite of being told repeatedly he can't even skate properly!

Sunday morning, he played on Junior's piano without a negative thought in his heart. He produced sweet music that made his mom's eyes and his grandma's eyes well up with pride.

I want Hans to know that no matter where he goes, to college or to university, he will be much sought after because he is a loyal friend, a team player and a generous soul. I believe in him and I believe that about him.


Noteworthy Remarks: Progress reports only capture one aspect of who a child is. They should never be allowed to predict a child's future and definitely not define who a child is!

 
It is a travesty
When we value an adult by the money s/he makes

It is a tragedy
When we define a child by the grades s/he gets

Worthless, brainless, “something” less
Words can hurt

Good at nothing, good for nothing
Hurtful, harmful…be very careful

This is life
Make those word choices wisely

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