Scout was being a real piece of work tonight. He had put off his piano practicing until the last minute…and then I heard him dinking through a song he didn’t even know when his lesson is TOMORROW! I went down and told him that he needed to have the piece learned by his lesson tomorrow — and to stay at the piano until he knew it. He melted down. He melted down more than a 12 year old should melt down. But I stayed strong and explained that his choice to put off his new piece had the consequence of him not knowing it. And a wasted lesson of him not knowing his pieces for the teacher, was a lesson that he could pay for. He melted and melted. Then he complained to me that he doesn’t know how to read the notes. I ignored him (because he does know how to read the notes). But Navy (who was in bed at this point) snuck down and said, Hey Scout…maybe I could help you. He was still distraught, and she went over to the piano to get what she thought was his music.
She then spent the next 15 minutes figuring out every note he needed to know, and wrote the corresponding letter next to the note. After she did that, Scout went in and got to work. Within ten minutes, he was playing the piece that had formerly melted him down.
I knew what Navy had done, so I called her in to tell her what a nice sister she is, and to tell her I was really proud of her being his hero tonight. After Scout finished practicing, he came in
and said, “Hey Navy, I really love you. Thank you so much for helping me. I made something for you.”
Then he handed her a ten dollar bill from his own money, that he had made into a heart. He gave it to her and gave her a hug, and then I melted.
It started out as a tough night, but ended up being one of the sweetest nights I have ever known.
I was so proud of Navy…so very proud of her kindness and compassion.
And I ended up being so proud of Scout…so very proud of his appreciation and thoughtfulness.
I told these kids, that what I witnessed is what heroes and heroines are made of.
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