Joining the Circus

We got Dumbo from the video store over the weekend for the kids to watch. I warned them there was a scary part, but Luke assured me he was BRAVE and would take care of Susanna (funny how he's usually the scared one and she's the brave one!). I warned them that there would be a fire, but that Dumbo would be okay. "That's okay, Mama. We're brave!" Then a pause. "Will Dumbo's mama be okay?"

I couldn't remember. I didn't think so, but I couldn't remember. And I was honest. I told them I couldn't remember. "That's okay, Mama. We'll be brave."

Dumbo's mama wasn't okay. I had just run to the other room for a few minutes (after consoling a sad, tender-hearted little girl who didn't like the fire), when sobs and a small girl again came rushing to me.

"Mama, Mama, I'm so sad....Dumbo's Mama is lost and I don't like that." We snuggled for a big as I commiserated with her. Then, with a deep, shuddering sob, a tear-streaked little face peered up into mine and said "Mama, I don't want you to ever be an elephant and join the circus, okay?"

Okay, I know you're not supposed to laugh at your kids, especially when disciplining them, catching them doing something REALLY bad (but hilarious), or when they are opening their hearts to you, but come on! "Don't be an elephant and join the circus"???? Really, now!

I didn't laugh.

At least, until she left the room.