The Golden Rule

While I was getting the boys to bed tonight, Austin and I had an interesting conversation. Let me preface the story. In the past, Austin has asked what the dots on his face (FRECKLES) are. We have told him they are angel kisses and that he is so lucky to have a little brother and little sister in heaven who are apparently sneaking him some kisses. He's talked about it quite a lot in the past and has felt really special because of it.

Well tonight, our conversation went like this...

Austin: "Mom, I wish I had a different name."
Me: "Like what? What's wrong with Austin, Austin Boston?"
Austin: "Well, nothing really. I just wish my name was Reese." (Like Reese Mayhew)
Me: "Really.... why is that?"
Austin: "Well, it's not really my name.... (sigh)....it's my face."
Me: "What in the world is wrong with your face?"
Austin: "Well, I really, really, really like my brother and sister.... but I don't like the sparkles on my face they leave me."
Me: (by this time, I am having a really hard time keeping it together) "What's wrong with having freckles? You know you're a really lucky boy to have a little brother and sister who watch over you and give you kisses?"
Austin: "Ya, I know, but maybe when I'm 13 or 20, I can get a new face."
Me: "What? How?"
Austin: "I've seen it on TV, MOOOOOOOOOM! And I'm really tired of (a little boy from his class) making fun of me. He tells me, "WOW! Those freckles make you weird!" and it makes me feel bad."

AHHHHHH.... how sad is that! It's crazy how self-conscious he is already at 5 years old and that he's picking up on things like plastic surgery from TV in an effort to fit in and not be made fun of because he has "angel kisses". I still think he is adorable and he is a product of ME so So-And-So from school needs say something nice or NOTHING at all!

RULE TO LIVE BY: The GOLDEN Rule: If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all."