Today, I wanted to report back on my daughter’s participation in The Great Kindness Challenge. Since she’s only 21 months old, I had to exercise my creative muscles for this one. I wanted it to be a challenge. Well, sort of. I mean, I didn’t want to choose something ordinary; taking our pup to the park was too vanilla. I wanted to think outside the box and, at the same time, make a memory. That, right there, may sound overzealous to you. Go ahead, snicker. I deserve it.
I have always wanted to share the abundant beauty of our garden. So, on Saturday morning, my husband was “on duty,” while I cut my best-looking mums, black-eyed susans, and daisies and arranged sweet little bouquets held together by cloth ribbons from recycled gift wrappings. I figured that my daughter would love carting these around our neighborhood via her little red wagon.
With the video and still camera ready, we loaded up the wagon with fresh cuttings and . . .she was off. My daughter scampered down the driveway, her chin bent towards her chest and her eyes focused straight ahead. She was in the zone, on a mission, not to be interrupted. 
After passing a few homes, we made our first stop. “Do you want to bring these to Tony? Look, he’s outside!” I pointed, excitedly.
She waved her arms at me and shook her head no, no, no, no. She had no intention to stop. The occasional delivery was not a part of her game plan. Perhaps I should have explained our purpose.
“Come with Mommy,” I urged, reaching out my hand. She pushed it away and dropped towards the ground, irritated by my ridiculous ways. When I picked her up, she fought hard to break free, kicking her long limbs and turning on the water works. I was ruining the mission, which I now understand was all about how far we could push the wagon. Silly me.
After a skinned knee and lots of tears, we returned home with an empty wagon. I delivered our small bouquets as my little peanut and her daddy watched from the sidelines. Hopefully, in the end, we made a few people smile. It really was never about us.
My 21 month old doesn’t quite get the concept of giving yet, at least not with flowers (Though, I must say she generously blows kisses to even the oddest of characters.) So the final word is that The Great Kindness Challenge was just that- a challenge. Oh well, there’s always next year. That, and golden retriever who loves a leisurely stroll through the park.
Stacie @ newmommyhelp.net says:
I’d say it was a terrific effort and the experience was worth it for both of you.
Our lemonade stand turned out to be a big hit. It was really interesting to see how each of our children responded to serving people. And, it was even more rewarding to see our customers give extra because they knew we were donating half the money. Our youngest, at age 2, kept yelling “caaaaaaaaake, got caaaaaakes”. We had cupcakes too:).
Stacie @ newmommyhelp.net´s last blog ..How to Go on a Date After Having a New Baby
August 11, 2009 at 8:24 am
Allison @ Slice of Heaven says:
Ahhh, how sweet! It may have been hard for her to stop that wagon and watch as you emptied it, but maybe next time she’ll get the concept! Way to go!
Allison @ Slice of Heaven´s last blog ..The Fun Guy
August 11, 2009 at 9:31 am