A Short Dialogue

"Why are your posts always sad?"

Coming from an eight year old boy, I was stupefied when he asked me this question. I know that most of the posts are about flowers and the way I see the world. I didn't realize that one child will eventually tell me that most of my posts were too sad for him to read. "They are sad because I am a sad person."

"Why are you sad?"

Traversing an hour ride from my student's house to my home, I tried to recall the many happy moments of my life with my friends. In my former school, I had a circle of friends whose company I enjoyed a lot. We meet for lunch or dinner, had Friday games, strolled around the park or biked during Saturdays, and even go out for holidays to other countries or nearby provinces.

"How come you have no friends?"

I do, but I made a choice to be away from them. I do miss them so I give them calls once in a while and I send them e-mails every now and then. I just don't see them physically. We all live afar. And those who are near me are difficult to classify.

"I am sorry."

The child need not be sorry for me but I am just sharing some life lessons. That we make choices and decisions we can pursue. That everyone make plans and make their own lives. That we have a choice to be happy and a choice to refuse to be one. Whatever we decide to do, we better accept the consequences.

"I am your friend."

Yes, and I believe you. The reason why I teach you is because you are so good to me and our simple conversations show your intelligence and deep thinking. I am equally proud to be your teacher.

( art work courtesy of Lucas - 4 years old ; conversations with Tabby- eight years old )