"Sit right here!" is a new game

We hear all the time, “It’s the little things that really
matter.” Recently I was reminded of how true this is.

Bella is my eighteen-month-old granddaughter who is beginning to
learn how to talk. This week she put together her first
sentence. The process of a child learning to speak has always
fascinated and amazed parents and grandparents. I’m sure it’s a
real relief for the child too when someone actually gets what
all their babbling means! 

It happened to Bella and I while we were rocking and singing
songs. She suddenly jumped off my lap, went to another chair in
the family room and patted the chair and said, “Sit right here!” 

I couldn’t believe what I heard and simply stared in awe. So,
she repeat it again, “Sit right here!” I got up and sat in the
chair she was pointing to. Bella’s eyes immediately lit up and a
big smile appeared on her face. She was communicating and
someone actually understood what she was saying! 

She got into the feeling of authority quickly and the orders
didn’t stop, “Sit right here!” “Sit right here!” “Sit right
here!” Over and over, I would sit where she wanted and each
time, her eyes would light up and her smile clearly conveyed the
feeling of accomplishment.

As I write this story, I am reminded of how speaking requires
not only a speaker but a listener. I am so happy I was able to
hear what Bella had to say. How many times in the past have
people tried to communicate with me and I never heard what was
said? Maybe that’s one of the benefits of being a grandparent,
maybe we finally take the time to “Get it!”