A New Ritual

I’m not sure exactly how or when it started, but the twins have somehow established a new farewell ritual with me. Whether it’s when I drop them off at school or when I leave the house to go somewhere, they’d go up to me, hug me, and whisper one at a time “Mahal na mahal kita” (Tagalog for ‘I love you very much’). I’d then hug them back and whisper back, “Mahal na mahal din kita.” (I also love you very much.)

The best part? If one twin is not around, he’d frantically call for the other to come join him, then prod him to say those words that just make my heart melt.

And may they never tire of this ritual. Amen.

Children Learn What They Live (1959)

If a child lives with criticism, he learns to condemn . . .
If a child lives with hostility, he learns to fight . . .
If a child lives with fear, he learns to be apprehensive . . .
If a child lives with pity, he learns to feel sorry for himself . . .
If a child lives with ridicule, he learns to be shy . . .
If a child lives with jealousy, he learns to feel guilt . . .

BUT

If a child lives with tolerance, he learns to be patient . . .
If a child lives with encouragement, he learns to be confident . . .
If a child lives with , he learns to be appreciative . . .
If a child lives with acceptance, he learns to love . . .
If a child lives with honesty, he learns what truth is . . .
If a child lives with fairness, he learns justice . . .
If a child lives with security, he learns to have faith in himself and those about him . . .
If a child lives with friendlienss(sic), he learns the world is a nice place in which to live . . .

WITH WHAT IS YOUR CHILD LIVING?

Dorothy L. Law