― José Ortega y Gasset
I have a very
special friend from college. She is more
like family than a friend. We met early
on freshman year. We lived on the same
floor in the dorms and were in the same academic discipline. Because we live in different parts of the
country, I don't see her as much as I'd like.
But every so often, I am in her neck of the woods. And, fortunately, she has been coming to my
part of the world on an annual basis for a few years.
My special
friend is in town and it was a treat to have dinner with her and my
children. The children all love their
Tía, who on this occasion took them for a spin in her red convertible luxury
rental. They love the way she speaks (a
mix of growing up abroad and English boarding school). And probably more than anything, my children
love the way she pays attention to them.
She asks them questions and listens -- really listens -- to their
answers. And she actually remembered one
of their favorite dishes at the restaurant.
I know that
the way my friend pays attention is one of the many things I love about her,
too. Her paying attention is a way of
saying "you matter to me." And
that kindness means the world to children -- and to their mother.
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