Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Inauguration day moment

Today I sat the three kids down to watch history-in-the-making. The presidential inauguration of Barak H. Obama was something I made sure that they would not miss. They all three snuggled under the blankets on my bed and watched as they began the ceremony. When they said the opening prayer, Skyler closed his eyes, bowed his head, and folded his arms. A few minutes into it, I heard this:

A: "Skyler, what are you doing?"

S: "Shhh! I'm participating in the prayer!"

A: "Well, I'm not. It's too long!"

S:"Aria! Don't you want our president to 'have the wisdom to lead us?

Turns out my little guy was listening very closely! After the prayer, he then went on to explain to her that it was a very important day because it was the first time ever that a man with dark skin was elected to be the president of the United States of America and that this was only possible because of a man named Martin Luther King, Jr. who worked very hard so that all people could be equal, no matter what the color of their skin. He even explained a brief history of slavery and segregation and why they were so wrong. I'm proud of my little guy, and was touched by the poignant reminder of why it is so important that we share our nation's history with our children.

6 comments:

Heather said...

What a sharp kid. I was trying to get my kids (and the extra 2 I was babysitting) to just be quiet so I could hear. They didn't care about the history lesson I tried to give them.

Kyle did ask who the first counselor was though.

Anonymous said...

Annie this is SO sweet. It shows what a great Mom you are too. I admire you in so many ways. I hope Carlee can turn out half as smart as your little ones. Thanks for being such a great example and for sharing such cute stories. :) Love ya!

Anonymous said...

Look at his parents. It's amazing that children can pick things up so quickly but it comes from open and educated/educating parents. Hope in the future of our world is what that says to me. Be the change!

Robert Choate said...

I was told that this day was only possible because of David Palmer.

Myndi said...

I'm impressed! He's smarter than I am. Good job! Can he come take my english and history tests for me?

Three Peas said...

Wow. Skyler is amazing. I just have to keep telling myself that I can't be disappointed if my kids aren't as cool as yours. Haha. I'm sure I won't feel disappointed about my kids!