David: Déjà vu all over again

My hopes were dashed. The tears came again this morning.

This time, Leah May surprised us by waking up on her own a good 40-45 minutes early. Furthermore, instead of being her usual grumpy self, she seemed to be excited and had an air of urgency. She sped through breakfast, brushed her teeth and hair in quick order, made her bed, put on her school uniform lickety-split and was downstairs happily chatting and playing with Rene prior to his scheduled departure.

When Kathy came downstairs to leave, the reason for all the urgency became all too apparent. Leah May stood there, shoes on and backpack in hand, all ready to go. She obviously thought that by her getting up early, Kathy would take her to school. Needless to say, she was absolutely crushed when Kathy informed her otherwise.

Leah May's crying was far more intense than it was yesterday. The duration of crying was much shorter, thanks be to God. This time, much to the joy of all music lovers, I felt no need to fill the air with my singing. Rather, a promise to let her help me wash the breakfast dishes did the trick (inspiration from my guardian angel, no doubt, who probably regretted not being able to use earplugs the previous morning). I usually wash dishes once every day, in the evening, and prefer to do it without the "help" of children. But desperate times call for desperate measures.

So, after I got myself ready for work, Leah May and I got ourselves busy in the kitchen. I filled the basin with almost-steaming hot water, pretty sure she'd balk at the temperature and simply want to dry. No such luck. She was willing to endure the water for the opportunity to do the washing herself. Happily, she did a pretty good job. I rinsed, we both dried, and I put the dishes away. It was a most pleasant experience.

I'm thinking this needs to become a part of our morning routine. Helping Daddy made her very happy, and she voluntarily gave me not one but two enthusiastic hugs outside the school door. After entering the school, she actually came back to the door and happily called out to my retreating back, "Bye-bye, Daddy!"

This forced time together, despite the tears, could become the best thing for our family. Maybe she'll finally bond with me. And at the very least, I'll not have as many dishes to wash in the evening.