At work, our offices are cleaned by a local family that runs their own custodial business. It's a husband and wife, and they bring their small children with them. They take turns -- one of them watches the children while the other does the work.
Tonight, I was sitting at my desk at nearly 11:00pm when I heard a small voice behind me, attempting to speak over my loud music. I turned around to see this tiny little girl standing in my doorway next to a big garbage can on wheels that was practically bigger than she is. She couldn't have been more than 5 years old. I had to fumble with iTunes to turn off the inappropriate M.I.A. I had been listening to.
"Excuse me, may I please empty your garbages?"
I just blinked for a second. I couldn't believe this little girl was pushing around this giant trash bin, and being so very professional about it. I think she was more articulate than some of my adult coworkers.
"Sure you can."
She came in quickly and quietly, wrapped both arms around my little waste basket, carried it to her bigger garbage can, lifted it over her head to empty it out, then placed it neatly back under my desk.
"Thank you," I said.
"You're welcome." With both hands and the weight of her entire body she pushed the big bin toward the next office.
For a brief moment I thought, what's going here? Is it right that this little girl is doing hard labor in my office? Then I heard her father's voice in the hallway.
"Did you get them all?" he asked.
"Yes," she replied confidently in her tiny tone.
"Let's check."
They walked into each office, and looked at each garbage can together. The father was carrying his newborn baby, who let out several fussy squeals. He tended to the baby while still conversing with the girl, confirming that all the waste had been properly disposed of.
"You did such a good job," he proclaimed. "I'm proud of you! I'm going to have to give you a pay raise! TWO kisses instead of one for each garbage can." And he proceeded to hug her and give her two kisses on the cheek for each garbage can she had emptied. She giggled loudly. It was the cutest thing.
It turns out, the little girl had volunteered to empty all the garbage cans. She wanted to help out, so her father gave her a task, and she completed it like a pro. I was so impressed with the way he spoke to her and reasoned with her like an adult yet still gave her the encouragement and affection she needs as a little girl.
I felt a renewed desire to have a family of my own.
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2 comments:
After reading this post, all I can say is: Awwwwww!
Andrea, I hope you have a wonderful weekend.
Hiya Andrea!
I had just wanted to stop by and say thank you for what you said. That really is such a compliment. And please know, it goes right back to you. I hope you are doing well. Such a lovely story that you have shared with us.
And can I say? I am impressed that you were worried about the little girl at first, but had the sense to breathe, wait and see the truth before reacting to the situation. That is not something many of us can manage -all the time! Some of us...*cough.. are little hotheads that loose their cool at any given moment! ;p
I wish you great luck with the future you seek Andrea. I have no doubt you would be an incredible mom.
loves, l/d
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