Katie and the Hershey Kisses

This is a story of a little girl. Perhaps the title is a bit misleading because it's less about the candy and more about the girl and her dreams. You see, Katie is a little girl who loves to build and design things. She's creative and smart. She loves Legos and thinking big. Literally. Last week, she showed me a small colorful chunk of Legos. I asked her what it was, and she proceeded to tug on a block, revealing a drawer made entirely of Lego blocks. She'd seen someone build it on YouTube and decided to try it out for herself. But, reaching into her bag, she then pulled out a box built out of Legos far more complex than the first. There were multiple compartments, and she had a special Lego pole that attached to a hard-to-reach drawer handle and made it easier to access.

The items she was storing in her Lego boxes were nondescript everyday items that would still be special to a child. A few pieces of leftover Christmas candy, a penny, and a quarter or two. And in her childlike way, she picked out a red Hershey Kisses and handed it to me. No formality, no words, just asking by holding it out. I thanked her and accepted it.

Later, I asked her what she wanted to do when she grew up. Because, clearly every little 3rd grader should have that figured out. I want to become a designer. I explained to her that when I was young, I liked building things, and when I went to college, I studied how to design and build things. She thought that would be cool. I encouraged her to keep pursuing her dreams. To keep designing and building new Lego creations. And I promised her that this week, I'd ask her what cool things she'd designed. 

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That little red Hershey Kisses that has been in contact with who knows how many coins and other little trinkets is currently sitting on my desk. I have it there as a reminder for how simply and humbly we ought to give to others. Like it's no big thing because it's really not. I have it there as a reminder that what we give to others sometimes matters less than the giving of the gift itself. To me, an adult with full access to all the chocolate I want, a normal Hershey Kisses is not extraordinarily special. Yet, this one that Katie gave me is special. 

I love working with kids. Although I'm convinced they have a 5 second long attention span, it's such a privilege to spend time with them when you can get through. To listen to them, to encourage them to pursue their dreams. They, whose whole lives are ahead of them with so much potential and with so many dreams that are as of yet unfettered by the harshness of reality. They, who unknowingly teach me so much. 

*Note, Katie's name has been changed for privacy reasons.