After taking more than a day to think about Jacoba’s shutdown at the mall yesterday, I am proud of her for what she did.
In her four year old way, she acknowledged what she perceived as a slight from this woman and faced it. She told this woman in her four year old way, the facts of life with the tone of a raised middle finger. And then after facing and forgetting about the ‘offender’, she did what all wise and unprepared people do when they are wounded, she grieved.
She didn’t care about the world around her. She ‘took’ care of herself by crying out.
She did what each and every bereaved person should do. She grieved. And she did it well.
And then when she was ready, and only when she herself was ready, she moved on. A bit dented, but she moved on. And then what does a successful 4 year old do when she has just been wounded? She takes on her next opponent. Her dad. And she kicks his butt.
Good job Jacoba. Good job.
7 comments
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June 24, 2008 at 8:50 pm
Laura
Well said. You couldn’t be more right.
June 24, 2008 at 9:33 pm
jen riebot
Yep, Good job Jacoba.
I absolutely love you.
Peace and love sweetheart,
Den.
(aka. Jen)
June 25, 2008 at 6:46 am
Yvonne and Terry Veldboom
Sometimes us adults think we have it ‘all together’, and then we meet Jacoba through your blog, and realize we’re not even close. Forgive all the stupid question askers, there will be many. As for song lyrics, I’m sure Little Z could kick my butt, I don’t even know what BNL is! Be sure to bring the kids by in the next few weeks for a pick your own cherry experience. We would love to have you!
Blessings, as always, the Fieldtrees
June 25, 2008 at 10:03 am
dlf
.i probably wouldn’t have been able to resist leaving the scene of the crime without asking the woman if that was her mother’s dress she was wearing.
good job indeed, jacoba, and kudos to you also mendelt, sounds like you handled it very well!
June 25, 2008 at 10:25 pm
Frances
Mendy, I think Jacoba was wise in how she dealt with it. She was mad because the lady brought it up. Then she had to sit down and be sad by herself. And you felt helpless, like we have felt helpless watching all of you grieve.
Tell Jacoba that if I had a million dollars, I would try to cure cancer.
(I don’t think that Bare Naked Lady song is on the CD, but maybe she knows the lyrics).
Have a great time in Holland, de groeten aan iedereen.
Love you.
June 25, 2008 at 11:27 pm
Diane Bakker
Hey
A women does what shes got to do……….
Sometimes she sits and shuts down and is
inconsolable…..
I guess there’s no way to prepare for those
parenting moments……..sorry, that you happen
to be the one dealing with this!!
Strength to you, Zion, Jacoba and Ziekijah……..
P.S.(which stands for post snooze, which you are
going to get on vacation in Holland……..have a
wonderful……restful……full of fellowship time, may
you be refreshed and rested!
Blessings
Diane
June 26, 2008 at 1:37 pm
R&G
Hi Mendelt! Must have been hard for you when Jacoba was going thru all this SADNESS! Thankful that you were there and that you totally understand her feelings. All the best to you as a special, lovable family! Love and prayers R&G