Lestari Sayang Anak through the eyes of Benny
‘Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, ….’, little children’s voices filled the early morning air as our kids sang for Benny, who will be 5 years old this day. It is his very special day! First a celebration at school, then at home!
It began after Benny woke up and came out of the bedroom, seeing the living room cheerfully decorated with colourful pennants and garlands. After his brothers and sisters sang for him, we went to school, were the teacher put a birthday-hat on for Benny!
Around 11 AM I arrived in Benny’s class, together with his brother Risky and his sister Emily. He was a bit shy, looking down a lot, and a quiet. Benny is very sensitive, and I had the feeling he felt a bit overwhelmed by being the centre of attention! When the school party was over I went back home to put his presents on his bed, and prepare for the party at home. I printed out his favourite pictures such as the Minions, and Mario. Then it was time for me to pick up the boys from school, quickly checking the lunch, then into the car back to school again.
Benny hardly set one foot over the thresh-hold, and then he ran to my room to open the presents. A wonderful football, building blocks, a mask, and a shirt is what he got from his friends at school. The more the level of excitement went up, the more of a bummer it was for him he had to take a nap first. But hey, that’s life!
Finally, it was time for all to gather and sit down on the carpet. The home party was about to begin!
Now as I sit next to Benny, I look into his sweet big eyes, and I see joy, and happiness! He just unwrapped another gift, a new bag, his cheeks are slightly flushed, and I wonder how does he see all of this right now? Does he see the love his brothers and sisters have for him? Does he notice the staff leaving the kitchen for a moment to share the celebration with him? Is he aware of the fact that I am sitting next to him so proud to stand in for his mother, who didn’t have the means to take care of him, and be his mom now? I hope so with all my heart! Because this is why I set up this home for abandoned children, so that they don’t feel alone and lost, but that they know and feel they are loved. That our love for them is hooked in their hearts like an anchor, and helps them to see the beauty in their lives, and multiply that beauty endlessly!
Benny and I are in the taxi, when he says to me:” Ah mamma, there are so many moons out there.” I ask what he means, then Benny replies:” Well, a minute ago we were at Alfamart and there was a moon in the sky, and now we turn a corner, and there is another moon, just as beautiful!”