"Are you ready, Grandma?" she asked. "I'm going to give you a hug."
Then she proceeded to actually hug the computer monitor.
We were laughing until she very seriously asked, "Why did you put the needle in your eye, Grandma?" Tif had tried to keep the whole incident a secret but KC had overheard the telephone conversation.
Wow! I've already been chastised by both my children. Art knew I was upset with myself so he let me scold myself by myself.
Now here was my granddaughter unable to understand how her grandmother who should know better did something so completely idiotic as to stick a needle in her eye (while trying to separate her eyelashes putting on mascara).
What to say? I'm a retired teacher. I should know how to talk to young people. My daughter looked at me with one eyebrow raised, waiting for her mother to talk her way out of this prickly situation.
"Gosh, KC...," I said. I swallowed... almost choked. "I was trying to put on make-up and I'm afraid I made a mistake, a very bad mistake and hurt myself. It could have been even worse. I have learned my lesson. I will never, ever, ever put anything sharp near my eyes again because it really hurt. I know you'll always be careful too, won't you?"
Sigh... Now KC knows her grandmother isn't always wise, but I hope she'll learn from my mistake.
Oh, that first fall off the pedestal really hurts, but now KC knows you are human, and fallible, and hopefully she'll never hesitate to tell you about her own flaws and problems.
ReplyDeleteMy now-adult nieces were about KC's age when my godmother died, and I went to Christmas at my sister's house with tears running down my face.
"Why is Auntie Kay crying, Mom? It's Christmas. She should be happy."
"She's crying because she just lost HER Auntie Kay," my sister replied.
I know KC won't lose her love or respect for you. Grandmothers, aunts, teachers, mothers... nobody is perfect, but it's nice to be human.
Good try, Kay. But you did score a big hug and knowing that KC is concerned about you.
ReplyDeleteawww, so sweet, ,, you are such an honest loving person.I'm so glad I found you here on blogland,, (or did you find me),, lol,, all I know for sure is I'mso glad to have met you,, you are a good person,, thankyou for sharing this.
ReplyDeleteIt's a good thing for our kids and grandkids to know that we are not perfect, that we are after all human. KC is so cute. Hope your poor eye continues to heal quickly Kay. Have a great weekend.
ReplyDeleteJust think how many people have felt for your accident. I remember when I was a kid we chanted something about "stick a needle in your eye" but now I can't remember why. I've never known anybody before who actually did it, and apparently you can and not lose your sight! You have taught ME a lesson. Maybe the grandkids will be more careful, too.
ReplyDeleteYou're so lucky to have such a great family. And Art did the right thing: you were chastising yourself plenty!
I think when kids know that everyone makes mistakes it makes it easier for them to admit their own mistakes. KC has probably learned a good lesson from you.
ReplyDeleteA kid learning that adults are humans and can also make mistakes, gives them more respect for you. They'll also be more willing to come to you with their troubles or mistakes....you had a wonderful response. Keep healing. DrumMajor
ReplyDeleteit's so cute how she hugged the monitor. I think you gave her a good honest answer and I'm sure she'll never put something sharp near her eye now!
ReplyDeleteKC is so acute, isn't she, but still young enough to hug the monitor - very sweet:-)
ReplyDeleteSkype is a wonderful invention. So much better than writing or phoning. It also prevents you from lying, because the camera shows your facial expressions. I am glad you had an honest discussion with KC.
ReplyDeleteOMG Kay you did what! Please go out and buy yourself an eyelash brush/comb, or send me your addy and I will send you one!!
ReplyDeletePoor little KC, I can only imagine what she thought lol!
No doubt the eyelash incident was immediately preceded with, "this is probably not a good idea..."
ReplyDeleteSweet story about the facts of life.
I agree with Jeanie. I think KC will have learned more through your mistakes than if she had just been "told" not to do something. I´m sure she was glad you were ok.
ReplyDeleteIn the old days, more than once I saw a friend use a safety pin to separate eyelashes. You were just unlucky or unsteady, not stupid. KC knows she has a wise grandmother who sometimes makes a mistake. Isn't learning how we get wisdom? Dianne
ReplyDeleteI like your explanation to KC, talking to young children is still very nerve wrecking and a mystery to me. I love how you framed that one.
ReplyDeleteL.
It all seemed kinda funny to me. Perhaps, that' the best medicine.
ReplyDeleteit's important for kids to know that grownups still make mistakes but that we try not to...good answer!
ReplyDeleteOuch. That is a hard lesson to tell someone else about, especially when that someone is a grandchild.
ReplyDeleteI love the hugging of the monitor... I guess she learned an important lesson that she will remember..hopefully... oh Kay...
ReplyDeleteOne thing great about small kids is that they don't judge our mistakes but only want to understand or know the reason behind our actions.My kids have seen me make mistakes and say sorry for the same .Now i see they too do the same and never attempt hiding the mistakes they do.KC is adorable ,how innocent and cute of her to attempt to hug the monitor.
ReplyDelete