Monday, May 11, 2009

Relationships

Caleb is just beginning to sort out the various relationships in his life—making sense of his connections to people and the significance of that. He definitely understands Mommy and Daddy . . . but finds the fact that his Mommy has a Mommy, who is also his Grandma, a little tough. That his Aunties are his Mommy's sisters make sense ("Just like Ella is my sister?" "Yes, just like Ella is your sister.") But Uncles are harder, as he has no brothers. He does however, clearly understand the difference in the importance of his relationships, and has even gone so far as to "rank."
• Mommy and Daddy and Ella fall in the "You are my honeys" category.
• Grammie and Grandpa, and Grandma and Papa fall in the "Can we go to Grandma's house today?" *everyday* category.
• Joshua and Annie (and Aaron's nieces and nephews) fall in the "They are NOT my buddies, they are my COUSINS!" category.
• The immense amount of people he knows and I don't (the kid can remember everyone's name!) fall in the "buddies" category.
• Everyone else: "HELLO PEOPLE!" category . . . as we enter Target, the grocery store, church, etc . . .

Caleb has an unbelievable memory. We can introduce him to someone only once and he will remember who they are upon sight the next time we meet. His ability with people (regardless of the relationship) continually reminds me that God has placed so many wonderful relationships in my life to both bless me and allow me the opportunity to bless . . . that we could all remember to shout "Hello People" in such a delighted voice every time we enter a public place! (Though somehow I think Caleb's greeting would always be better recieved.)

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