Each week in the preschool we pause part way through our half hour together to choose instruments. It takes a few minutes to pull them down from a high shelf, and to offer one to each child. There is a little girl who has consistently said no since September.
I never knew why she resisted, but the teachers kindly invited her month after month. Probably none of us expected her to change her mind. There was no need for an explanation. If she was content with her level of participation, so were we.
But this week she said yes to the triangle. She seemed enchanted with its silvery sound, and how it was in her power to make it.
Seeing her step into something new felt precious. Four years is a brief amount of time to explore the world around you. Unless you are two and then it seems like forever. I felt touched to be a witness as she allowed herself a new experience.
I am offering a small group next month. There is always that awkward period of me wondering if anyone will join, and potential joiners being anxious about who else will be there. People they know? Or might want to? Or scary ones that make you want to excuse yourself to the rest room and never return?
Apprehension and I are old friends, though. Maybe people will show up. Maybe not. The topic is, ironically, Opening up. How apropos that there be uncertainty.
But if you walk by the small group lounge at just the right time you might hear the silvery sound of voices.
