Today I had the privilege of chaperoning my first field trip for Ian's science class. We went to a nature preserve, where the kids learned about insects, plants, animals, and their ecosystems. I learned that five and six year-olds will touch just about anything and think it's cool.
Several of the children were specially gifted, like my son. Each of them was accepted by the others, regardless of their challenges. Each was considered a friend because of his or her strengths and the brilliance of their personalities. Why isn't the rest of society like this?
All of the kids were enthusiastic about learning and wanted to absorb as much as they could in a short amount of time. They proudly touted their knowledge and spouted words such as "nocturnal", "camouflage", "amphibian", and "carnivore" - proof that children can learn just about anything if presented with the challenge.
For me, the best part of the trip was when a boy asked my son if he would sit with him on the bus ride. Ian said, "Thanks, but I'm sitting with my mom." Then he wrapped his little arms around my leg, put his cheek on my hip, and hugged me. I'll have to remember that moment ten years from now when he'll be walking ten steps behind me at the mall so none of his friends will know he is shopping for underwear with his mother. Or, perhaps, he will still think I am the greatest and walk proudly beside me as he did today. One can hope.
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