Benson got this book by Mem Fox for Christmas (actually a little after Christmas). A couple of weeks ago I read it to him and I bawled - it is one of the most heart rendering stories that I have every read (truely touching and moving if you haven't read it). Benson was very concerned by this and kept asking if I was ok, rubbing my arm etc. I assured him that I was ok and I was only crying because it was such a good story - he seemed ok with that and I went on to read him a happier story. I had assumed that he had forgotten how upset I had become ... but how wrong I was.
Last week he asked me to read it again (it has been well over a week since I last read it) - as soon as I opened the first page, before I had even started reading, he was reassuring me and saying you don't need to cry. I couldn't believe that he had remembered! He spent the whole story staring at my face waiting for me to cry - and cry I did. I found it amusing that he was more interested in observing me that looking at the pictures.
Gary read it too him the night before last and when he came downstairs after putting Benson to bed he said that Benson had watched his face closely the whole story too (... and Gary didn't disappoint Benson, he had a tear in his eye too). Benson was quick to provide comfort.
I find it amazing to watch Benson's empathy and concern - he is one of the most compassionate and caring children I have ever spent time with. He demonstrates this every day with his friends, particularly Chelsea - when I watch them he brings he toys, shares his snacks and is always making sure she is ok. All I can think is that I have done something right here and I so hope he keeps these wonderful personality traits.
Sorry about the long post, but I really wanted to get this down so I could come back to the journalling when I am ready to do a layout on this.
Some new Bensonisms too while I am doing a post on him ...
* telescoop - Benson's word for telescope (ie. long cardboard tubes from the inside of wrapping paper)
* flower biccies - what Benson calls one of the biscuits that he likes that Heinze makes
* faydoh - playdoh
* flower hearts - this is what he has always called hearts
* trole - remote controll
* mama - what he calls me when he is trying to convince me to give him something or do something for him (usually accompanied by big eyes and a charming smile!)
To finish this post, a favourite photo of the little man himself taken in NZ over the Christmas break.
Cheers everyone!
Kim :o)