Jennie and I met in night school. After having completed the required courses, we started teaching in
the same school. Frequently we had lunch together.
For a time we were just casual friends, but one day, when I was telling Jennie about my problem son,
we discovered we were kindred spirits. "He's a difficult little character," I explained. Jennie looked
thoughtful, “Maybe you're seeing him with your eyes.” She was silent a moment and then added softly,
"It is only with the heart that one sees rightly." I stared at her, "You're quoting that! It's from The Little
Prince, SaintExupery's book for children. One of my favorites. You know it, too?" Jennie nodded, "I love
it. I've read it so often, I've practically memorized it."
Now, when I think of Jennie, I recall that book, because Jennie-more than anyone I know-possessed
the gift of seeing with the heart.
From that moment of a treasured book shared, our friendship grew steadily. It wasn't that I didn't
have an excellent relationship with my husband and son. But my mother had died shortly after my
marriage, and I had neither sisters nor daughters. I realize, now, how I needed someone to share those
little, seemingly unimportant things that add so much to life-things that must be shared to be fully
appreciated.
And it was Jennie who helped me with my fourthgrade problem child. One day I was at_my wit's_end. "What he needs is a good beating!" I exploded.
"He's probably had plenty of those," Jennie said. "Maybe he just needs sincere praise for anything he
does right, and a hug or two each day." I followed this suggestion, and eventually, because of Jennie, I
discovered a lovable little boy.
Looking back, I had to admit that she taught me so much, such as how to love spring. One April day
I said, "I hate rain!" And I'll never forget what she said, "You can't hate spring rain! It brings the flowers!" So I learned to love spring rain, too, because it did bring flowers-violets, tulips and daffodils. |
1. What does the underlined sentence "I was at my wit's end" mean? |
