Children and adults

[Sr. Janet]

Some time ago, just as I sat down on a train and looked out of the
window, a thud beside me announced the arrival of a little girl who
turned out to be seven years old. “Hello. Can I sit beside you? My
name is Georgia.” So much for a previously planned peaceful,
reflective journey!

The child was delightful. Our half-hour together was fascinating as
one question followed another with the beautifully simple curiosity
that is unique to the very young.

Knowing that Georgia’s mother was sitting on the seat behind, I
suddenly realised, with deep regret, that my own enquiries could,
these days, be misconstrued. “Where are you going? What are you going
to do? Which are your favourite rides on the fairground?”

The absolutely normal questions that an adult puts to a small child,
excited at the prospect of a family day out, are not always as
innocent as they might seem. I rapidly altered my conversation and
began to describe my own childhood experiences on the Ghost Train, but
however much I continued to enjoy Georgia’s conversation, some of my
own pleasure had disappeared.

The journey reminded me of an afternoon when I chatted with an elderly
man who was passing the time before he could collect his grand-
daughter from school. “I used to love to stand by the school
playground and watch the children playing”, he said. “It gave me so
much pleasure and gave meaning to my day. Now I can’t. I’m afraid
that people will think that I’m up to something. I still collect my
grand-daughter from school, but I go for a walk first and only
approach the school when I know it is time for the children to come
out. We don’t hang around….but something has gone from my life,
something really precious.”

Certainly, children are to be loved and protected. Any normal person
is horrified by the thought of their spontaneity and innocence being
damaged in any way.

Yet those who would hurt children have also hurt those of us who love
them. In order to ensure safety for the youngest and most vulnerable
amongst us, so many adults have been obliged to step backwards and
deny ourselves the opportunity of sharing in the joy of childhood for
a few moments. Especially those of us who do not have children and
who do not work with children are enriched by the freshness and
novelty of their outlook. They somehow manage to bring newness into
even the most mundane events. How many of us have found ourselves
laughing at a comment made in all seriousness by a small child who has
succeeded, in a few words, in turning the adult world upside-down?

May children everywhere be filled with freedom and joy...but may they
also spread a little of their happiness around them in ever-increasing
circles, surrounding those of us who might be bystanders, but who
would also like to be participants in their wonder and celebration.

God bless,
Sr Janet