I’m sure this won’t come as a shock to anyone. Kids lie. From time-to-time adults lie too; never parents of course, just some other adults. Obviously if a parent accidentally lies to a kid it is only because we want the best for our children. We also just want them to go to sleep at bedtime. If we fib a little and tell them that there is no monster under their bed or that we can’t lie in bed with them any longer because we need to go to the bathroom / clean up the kitchen / do work / etc. it is only because we want five minutes alone with our partner to discuss which show we should binge watch next before we pass out on the floor.
This morning as I was attempting to get my kids ready for school my six-year old put on a solid show of resistance. To be fair she feels crappy because she has a sore throat and didn’t want to go to school. She was also refusing cough syrup or anything to drink. As I have written before she is resistant to those things that might help her. She is adventurous and risk-seeking, but she is afraid of getting a needle or having a band aid removed. This from the girl who broke her arm in the fall and had to have pins inserted. She handled this experience very well and with limited complaints. She seems to be afraid of the little things (a needle prick, medicine that might taste bad or food she might not like for that matter).
Today is Remembrance Day. Today we pause our busy lives and we remember those who fought the wars and the peace to give us the countries and lives we have today.
Today I remember my grandfather who served in the British Merchant Marine, my grandmother who lived in London throughout WWII and survived the Blitz. I remember my aunts and uncles and cousins who lived through the war in Britain. I remember my uncles who went down with their ships. I remember the Canadians who fought to defend my country and our rights and freedoms. I remember the soldiers of all countries who fought for their countries. I remember the sacrifices made by current soldiers and especially their families.
Most of all I remember how important it is that we remember and that we teach our children about the horrors of war. I remember how important and precious peace is and our responsibility to protect those who do have the luxury of peace.
In Flanders fields the poppies grow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
