The Connection Bridgewater-Somerville Edition Sept/Oct/Nov 2018

Back 2 School See Website for Details Art-4-All School of Fine Art • Classes Year Round • Painting • Sculpture • Drawing • Children and Adult Classes Available • Start Anytime 908-725-4490 Barbara Gerson MA Fine Art Education Old York School 580 Old York Road Branchburg Shimon & Sara Birnbaum JCC 775 Talamini Road Bridgewater T he Beauty of Children By: Ellyn Mantell I am mesmerized by children! One of my favorite indulgences is to watch and interact with them. Their ability to understand and manage all that is thrown at them on a daily basis is quite miraculous. It is never lost on me that if adults had to learn, process, understand, etc. the same amount as a child does each day, we would be exhausted and frustrated. And yet, children take it in stride for the most part, and their wide-eyed response and exuberance is a joy to behold. Perhaps a big part of that is due to the praise and positive reinforce- ment children receive for their efforts. Rewarding children with genuine praise and recognition is something I truly love to do, and the smile on a child’s face in return stays with me and fills me with warmth. Recently, my fascination with the wonder that fills me was brought to my mind... While shopping for little gifts for my pre-teenage granddolls, I was quite over- whelmed with the marketing and packaging of the bath soaps they seem to love. Wanting to purchase “just the right thing,” I spent much longer in the store than necessary, and certainly much longer than I would have spent on a purchase for myself. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed a beautiful young lady who appeared close in age to my grands. She was looking at me as if she was curious about what had me so preoccupied. I asked if she might have an opinion that would help me make the right selection. Hesitantly, she approached, as we were both respectful of the “don’t talk to strangers rule” I assume she was contemplating. She pointed to the ones she preferred, and I appreciatively told her what a great choice she had made. Still on the hunt, this time for just the right nail polish, I lingered, again, longer than necessary, in the same aisle. Suddenly, there appeared a younger beauti- ful child, who peered up, hypnotizing me with the darkest eyes I had ever seen. She twirled around until I noticed she was there to engage with me. Feeling so delighted by the attention, and recognizing she had come over on a mission, to be included, I asked which of the nail polishes she liked best. Of course, the pinkest, pink ever was her choice! Shopping a little longer, and feeling pleased with my accomplishments, I decided to check out a few things for my grandsons. As I turned down the next aisle, I saw the reason the two young girls I had met were so pretty… their mother was beautiful! Smiling at the girls with appreciation, I told their mother how helpful they had been, and she laughed. With the biggest smile on her face, she shared with me that when her older daughter told her moth- er of our interaction, and how she had helped me, the younger daughter asked if she could find and help me, also. Her mother reported that when she returned, she, too, was glowing! I was so happy with my experience. How could I not feel so connected to the silent pointing by one of the sisters, and the obvious interest of the other? These little ones gave me their best, and I valued their gift. My smile said “thank you” and you are important, and theirs said “we did something that makes us feel valued,” and the response they received validated that. This story isn’t a big one, in fact, it is just SLICE OF LIFE of an ordinary day. But I have thought about it for months, and although I may never see the adorable girls again, they are part of my memories, and I am grateful. I am ever more aware that the smaller things in life bring us so much joy, if we are open and aware of them. And if our connection that day reinforced their self-worth in a way they may remember in the future, that would be wonderful. They will know their opinion has value; their willingness to help has value; big deeds have value; and small deeds have value, as well! SPECIALIZING IN: BARBER/STYLIST STYLIST 13 South Bridge Street Somerville, NJ 908-725-7610 Weaves Relaxers Twists Dreads Flat Tops Fades Razor Cuts Shaving Perms Color Open 5 Days a Week Closed Sundays & Mondays Get Ready for Fall! Walk-ins Welcome www.theconnectionsnj.com PAGE 16