These two gorgeous girls are best friends. They’ve both just turned five and, after one year of kindergarten, they are about to start school together. One is my middle child. The other is a child, with the most patient kind heart.
You see, despite forging the strongest of friendships, my girl only spoke to her friend for the first time a week ago. One year since they first met.
It was almost instantly they chose each other from the moment they met. They are both strong willed, determined, smart, kind, intuitive, sweet and no bullshit kids. They adore each other.
Until last week no-one at kindy had heard Miss 5 speak. Not even her teachers. We taped a video message as part of her kindy graduation. When it played, alongside those of her peers, the kids look stunned. They were excited to hear her voice. They swung their heads around and smiled and giggled excitedly. The teachers looked relieved that she even had her voice. Tears filled my eyes. Her big and little sister beamed. Miss 5 sobbed in her Dad’s arms. It was like her control had been snatched from her, but also like she was experiencing a sense of overwhelming relief. It was time.
Just the day before a similar event occurred. She was on a special catch-up with her bestest mate to celebrate the beginning of school. I watched them playing, Miss 5 would point and nod and pull her friend. Her friend would talk. They had it all worked out. It’s like they knew what each other was thinking, with or without words.
Suddenly, Miss 5, who at home is our biggest chatterbox, came running. She was heaving with tears. She’d spoken to her friend for the first time. She was overwhelmed. She’d given up on her control after a year of much restraint. Seriously, I’ve never known anyone with such determination. To not talk to anyone for a year is hard work. But for whatever reason she’d decided it was time to break down the barrier – to let her best friend hear her voice. For the next hour they screamed and shouted and laughed and talked. My heart exploded with joy. I just want her to be happy. I want everyone to know how awesome she is.
As I write her story I cry. I am so very proud of her for being so brave. She set such rigid rules for herself. She recognised it was time to break them. It was difficult for her, but man, her friend was beaming with pride, as much as me. They might be only 5yo, but those girls are the most amazing kids. They can teach us adults some lessons – of acceptance, love and living without judgement.
School starts soon. I’m not sure if Miss 5 will talk there, but I know one day she will and that is all I can wish for. She has the most marvellous voice and so much to say. When she’s ready, no-one will ever stop her speaking her mind.
bigwords x
Such a heartwarming story x So glad for you x
That’s so beautiful Bianca! Thanks for sharing.
So, so beautiful. I’m crying. Tricky has yet to speak to his peers in mothers group (he’s seen them weekly for three years now) or any of the kids at day care, so this tugs at my heart strings so much.
The friendship between those girls is priceless. So happy they have each other x
Oh I have tears!! So beautiful. My 6 yo is friends with a little girl who doesn’t speak at school- I love watching them play exactly how you said, pointing and pulling!
That is gorgeous. I can’t imagine the joy you must have felt at hearing your little girl giggle, laugh and talk with her best friend!! There are tears in my eyes. And what a special moment at kindy too – it must’ve been so hard for your little girl to give up control like that, but maybe it will be good for her now too. Ohhhh it’s just beautiful!!
I have the biggest smile whenever I think about it xx
Big words indeed. Beautiful girl x
the best x
Oh Bianca, I have tears streaming down my face. xx
me too x
Hi, I am not aware of your little girls full story, I found this link via Katrina Chambers.
However, reading this made my heart break…….we have a 5 yr old with aspergers, and a little girl in his early intervention class (a transition to school group), she is a select mute……
My husband and I watched a documentary recently on a little girl who was very out going and chatty at home, but at school, she completely shut down and never spoke once.
With a lot of hard work with an occupational therapist at the school, she made progress….slowly.
I’d love to know more about your daughters story……..is there a place on your blog where’d I could catch up?
Kind regards, and congratulations on this huge milestone that others take for granted…xx
CT
Children are amazing aren’t they. Every milestone should be celebrated. I wish you many more on your journey x
I know what a significant event this was for you both and I feel emotional for you. I remember your piece for EK and I could see parallels with my own quiet daughter. Enjoy this very special time.
she’s an amazing kid. we’re so very proud of her x
Darling B, what a beautiful heart-wrenching & just oh so special story… Love this so much .. Best wishes to you as another little chicken departs home for school! All my love D
What a lovely story, I have goosebumps.
Friendships at that age are just so pure. I love watching them.
Well done to your brave darling x
Bianca, your blog should be called ‘bigwords and even bigger heart’.
Love your stuff. Bless you
That is definitely worth celebrating. Hope these tiny steps continue xx
I cant even imagine how this has been for you all. But your words shine with pride and relief.
HUZZAH!
Warmed my heart, just beautiful x