already?

We learn from our children.

That's what everyone says. I think of this statement, and I think that it must be spoken from the mouths of old people, those who have children that have flourished into eloquent and productive adults, ripe with success and achievement.

But today, I learned from mine.

He is 18 months old, almost 19. We went to the zoo this afternoon, just to let him run around and play on his own terms with me just following him around, eager to point out the various animals that he would find himself face to face with.

It was hot. I mean, it's only February, and it was the kind of hot where you need to go seek out some ice cold water for your little guy to drink because you're actually worried about whether or not he could become dehydrated. Hot.

After our animal-gazing, we returned to the fountain, where we always begin and end our zoo adventures. He did his usual, walking around the fountain, pointing to the birds and expressing surprise that the music comes from the big speakers in the concrete pillars. And then there was a little girl who had hurt her little toe. She came to sit next to us with two ladies, one sitting next to her and the other kneeling in front of her, both tending to her little bleeding toe.

My NCS, such a careful observer, spotted their trouble from the speaker nearest them. He watched them all as he circled around them, moving closer to his Mommy... I'm sure he may have been slightly uncomfortable from the little girl's tears. My sweet NCS didn't know what to do, so he did the only thing he could think of: he kissed the lady nearest him, complete with an "mmmm...." lead-in. What a sweetheart!

I've thought about this several times today, and I am always touched by how cute my boy is and how sweet he is. But now I realize that I have finally joined the ranks of those who can state that they have learned from their children.

NCS has taught me that people always need hugs. And kisses. And it may not always be the most obvious of people. Sometimes the caregivers of the world need a little something extra from us.

Goodness knows he's already given it to me, a thousand times over.