After all these years, Gloria had a real Birthday Party.
Children were excited to plan the event.
They were giving, and children love to give.
They decorated a big Birthday Party invitation.
The invitation went to Gloria's old friend, Rosie,
who lives in the Yellow Room.
Rosie and Gloria have had many playdates.
One time Gloria pulled Rosie's braid,
but they made up and stayed friends.
The invitation also went to Pierre,
a new friend who lives in the Blue Room.
Pierre only speaks French,
yet he and Gloria played and understood each other.
"Make new friends but keep the old,
one is silver and the other's gold."
Children arrived. Everyone sang "Happy Birthday" to Gloria.
She was beside herself with excitement .
Her old friend Rosie made her a seashell on an aqua string.
She worked hard to make Gloria a card.
The Aqua Roomers made her a beaded necklace.
Every child picked a favorite bead,
and we strung the beads onto a rainbow cord.
(We had to hide Gloria under the loft
so she wouldn't see us making her necklace.)
We ate birthday cupcakes,
had a dance party
and turned on the big bubble machine.
What a great Birthday Party.
Happy Birthday, Gloria!
At the end of the day we are on the playground with the Yellow Roomers. Gloria was outside because I was trying to untangle her necklace. When the Yellow Roomers came out, they saw Gloria and rushed over to her. They were as excited as they were earlier at her Birthday Party.
No one asked Gloria how old she was.
No one asked her why she wears black.
No one said she was old, or ugly.
They stroked and hugged her.
Children understand far more than adults do. They are genuine. Quarrels are forgiven and they move on. They are curious, practical, and open to learning. They lean on each other, make friends, and are very accepting. Children are blind to race, gender, and age. No wonder they love Gloria.
We can all learn from children.
Jennie
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