I watched the little green-eyed girl alone on the swing. She watched the other kids with their moms. The little girl hung her head down low and kept swinging. She didn’t know what that felt like. Her mom didn’t come around very much. She didn’t understand why she didn’t see her. She didn’t want to ask because she learned early in life that she wasn’t supposed to question this. She kept her sadness to herself.
She was used to being alone. Nobody understood her. She felt like she didn’t fit in with anyone and she felt different than the other kids. The other kids thought she was weird. The little green-eyed girl kept to herself. She was usually alone with her thoughts. Afraid to speak, there were so many things that were forbidden to talk about, or ask about. She knew that she had to keep her feelings to herself. Don’t ask questions. Be careful not to say too much. Nobody will care what you say, anyway.
I walked up to the little girl and smiled at her. She looked back at me and smiled shyly and kept on swinging. She started to slow down and I went closer to her. I noticed there were tears in her eyes. She looked sad.
“Why are you all alone?” I asked. “My mom is not here yet. She’s always late. Sometimes she doesn’t come at all though.”
I then asked her “Are you lonely?” She then replied “I like to be alone. It’s peaceful.”
Slowly, I knelt down next to her and told her that everything will turn out fine. I told her that her mom not being around is not her fault. I told her that there is nothing that she did to make her go away. She had a sad look in her face.
“I know but I still feel sad when I see the other kids with their moms. It makes me feel like I’m not special.” I told her that is completely understandable. I told her that I hear her and she has a right to feel sad and alone. I explained to her that she will grow up and have three wonderful kids and have the chance to be the mom to those kids that she never had.
I told her that sometimes we go through things that are very painful and somehow we find a way to take those experiences and make ourselves stronger. I told her that she will be sure not to put her kids through any of the pain she went through.
I told her that there would be many tough obstacles that she would go through in her life but she will get through them all. I explained that she will eventually see how strong she is she will truly believe that she didn’t deserve any of this as a child.
“You will grow up to know your worth.” I told the little green-eyed girl. “You are lovable. Your feelings and needs are valid and important and they have always been. You will heal and help others who have gone through tough times.”
She looked at me and looked amazed. “I will do all that?” I nodded. I told her that in order to feel strong and value her worth, she needs to be be honest with people about her feelings and stand up for herself. I told the little girl that she can do hard things and she is important. I thanked her for allowing me to talk to her. I reminded her again that she is strong and capable.
“Thank you for helping me.” She said quietly as I stood up.
“Thank you for helping me.” I said to her. I gave her a big hug and smiled at her one last time.