Before I headed out for my prison mentoring session on Tuesday, Jaimito ran up to me with a toy he had fetched from his room. "Daddy, I have a toy for the boys." He had heard me talk about the kids in the prison, and assuming that being kids like himself, they would appreciate a toy. He pressed the toy into my hands. I was immediately touched, but how will I let Jaimito down easily? These aren’t boys like him, but big boys.
"Jaimito, the boys aren’t allowed to have toys in the prison." His face fell, and his little shoulders slumped forward. I knew the look on his face. He felt stupid for even suggesting it. He had been generous and had had his generosity batted away like a fly. It is such a sad thing, when a little beautiful face such as his has fallen. A tear came to my eye. "Jaimito, you’re the most wonderful little boy in the world. You are a wonderful generous little man to give your toys to the boys. I’m sure they would really appreciate it." I hugged him and peppered him with kisses until he pushed me away.
"Daddy!" And he wiped his cheek.
Ahh…. tough little boys, I sighed. So tough with his emotions. Where did he learn that? Certainly not from Cries-during-Bambi-Daddy.
After the prison session had finished I told Susan and Loretta about Jaimito’s gesture and his subsequent dashed spirits.
"That is just too darling. Why don’t you have him give the kids some candy? They’re allowed to have candy," Susan offered.
"That was a great idea. Now Jaimito and I have a project, and Jaimito will get to offer some help to the kids in need." I love this daddy job thing – nothing better in this world.