Travelingjenny

Grace: Why am I not going to school tomorrow?

Me: Because it’s Martin Luther King Jr. day.

Grace: What is Martin King Luther Jr. day?

Me: It is a day when we remember Martin Luther King Jr. and all of the important things he said. He talked about how important peace is, and how all people should love each other.

Grace: I don’t remember what he said.

Me: That’s okay, honey, he died before I was born even, and someday you’ll learn all about him at school.

Grace: Why did he die?

Me: Honey, the important thing is to think about peace and friendship, and loving all people.

Grace: Why am I not going to school tomorrow?

I like to call these “circular” conversations. Sometimes Grace really seems like she gets what I am talking about, and other times I feel like I’m talking to a rock. In this case, it was a little of both – a few minutes later she started ‘writing’ a story about Martin Luther King Jr. Mostly, the story had to do with the fact that he died (and is buried in a cemetery), but she also mentioned something about teaching the city about peace. So next time I feel like I’m wasting my breath, I’ll remind myself that I never know what’s actually getting through to her.