Thursday, September 08, 2005

Nachas From My Lil' Tzaddik

With his blonde hair now hanging down to his nose, people are starting to think that my 15 month-old son is a little girl, despite his masculine-looking clothing. Last week, a neighbor stopped my wife and asked, "Is that a boy or a girl?". At 30+ pounds, he looks more like a little marshmallow than a little girl.

My son is an extremely affectionate little boy. Most of the time he is waddling around carrying a little baby doll. He loves babies, lights up whenever he sees one, and always tries to go over and hug them or pet their hair.

My lil' tzaddik is also remarkably gentle for a boy his age. At the kosher deli on Sunday, he walked right over to a booth where a young man with Down Syndrome was sitting. My son crawled up unto the young man's lap, gave him a big hug, and put his head down on his shoulder for a few moments. From the smile on the young man's face, it was obvious that this had just made his entire day.

9 Comments:

At September 8, 2005 at 6:36:00 AM EDT, Blogger Pragmatician said...

That's precious, just like that spontaneously? Did he know the other person?

 
At September 8, 2005 at 6:42:00 AM EDT, Blogger A Simple Jew said...

Yes, it was spontaneous. He had never seen the young man before.

 
At September 8, 2005 at 8:42:00 AM EDT, Blogger torontopearl said...

That is a spectacular story. Your "marshmallow" is destined to do wonderful things with his life -- this softie is already off to a great start!

(definitely note this story in your children's sayings/antics book; to come back in 20 or 25 years and share this particular story with him will be worth it)

 
At September 8, 2005 at 10:35:00 AM EDT, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Wow, what a story!

Children are fascinating to watch. It is amazing to me to see children at the earliest of ages and how different each one is. Some toddlers are incredibly sensitive, while others can be surprisingly careless of others. I (obviously) ascribe these tendencies to "shoresh neshoma," and anyone who still believes in the "blank slate" theory cannot have seen too many kids in action. However, when our children grow they often learn to develop certain sensitivities, or discard them. It is quite a credit to you, and to any parent, when a child can express real care for others!

It is somewhat unrelated, but the Tzemach Tzedek writes that the Baal Shem Tov wore is talis on his shoulders (and not hanging down) because he was from "shoresh Kayin" (Cain); the Minchas Elazor also discusses this concept, and states that if one is from shoresh Hevel (Abel) he should wear his talis hanging over his arms (sorta like a blanket) rather than folded on the shoulders. The Minchas Elazar lists the tendencies of each so that one can identify which shoresh they are likely to have, and naturally one of the attributes of a Shoresh Hevel is one who has a natural compassion for other humans, animals, etc.

Sounds like you got a "Shoresh Hevel" there - may you have loads of nachas!

 
At September 8, 2005 at 12:11:00 PM EDT, Blogger MC Aryeh said...

What a beautiful neshama! It sounds very much like he is growing up in a loving environemnet where he feels comfortable expressing himself. Big tribute to you and your wife as parents..

 
At September 8, 2005 at 12:37:00 PM EDT, Blogger Pilot Mom said...

This warms my heart! My brother had Downs and loved people! How nice it would be if everyone could be as accepting as your son. I pray he never loses that! Blessings...

 
At September 8, 2005 at 2:59:00 PM EDT, Blogger PsychoToddler said...

My oldest son had long blonde curls and was often mistaken for a girl. We eventually gave up on the who upsherin thing (not even a family minhag).

Either way, your son has obviously inherited your sensitivity and warmth. It is a good sign of things to come.

 
At September 11, 2005 at 8:19:00 PM EDT, Anonymous Anonymous said...

bea8utiful story.nachas.
One suggestion-while little tzadik'l is endearing it is a very high level to live up to.

 
At September 12, 2005 at 12:49:00 AM EDT, Blogger Hirshel Tzig - הירשל ציג said...

Chabakuk E
deep stuff there, dude.

Simple
lots of Nachas

 

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