I watch my kids and wonder about their first loves, worry about crushed hearts.

I imagine the faces of their future partners, and wonder – yes, I do – where they’ll be when they lose their virginity.

I see them walking hand in hand and hope for the kindest soul possible on the other end of the grip.

I look at the faces of other kids – like today on the school bus coming home from the field trip -

and try to imagine the same of each of child:  holding hands with someone, shy, kisses, excited, heart opening, momentarily shattered.

Be kind to each other. Be patient. Take care. I want to say.

“I have a grl fred,” Thomas writes in his notebook.

I’ve met this sprite of a girl. She has wavy auburn hair, freckles and cute clothes.

As far as I can tell, I approve.

I watch them together and see no sign of anything other than an everyday boy-girl interaction between 7-year olds.

How did they mutually decide this assignation when they seem to hardly speak?

I see them in five years  at 12. In ten years at 17 –

not with each other then, but each of them growing toward love with someone –

each of them wondering:  ”Who will safely hold my heart?”

Be kind to each other. Be patient. Take care. I want to say.

You will trip, I’m sure. You’ll get bumped and bruised. Sometimes it is absolutely harrowing.

If you’re lucky, each time will make more sense and each time you’ll learn something

until one day you can stand side by side with someone you trust with your heart, with your world, with your children.

Be kind to yourself. Be patient with yourself. Take care of yourself.

And you will find your way.

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