Tree House

“Why don’t they take the tree off their house?”

An innocent question that will reveal all of the ugliness of the adult world.

I want to say, “Life isn’t fair. Even if you are a good person and you work hard, a hurricane can come through and wipe out everything you have.”

I want to say, “Social inequality is prevalent and we need to do what we can to help each other.”

I want to say, “Use your talents for good and make a difference. Whatever they are, find a way to make a positive impact in the world.”

I want to say all those things, but I don’t. It is a weighty topic for a 7-year-old on a Monday morning.

This event will be a defining moment of her childhood. As an adult she will look back with utter disgust that it took our government over 200 days to provide a disaster relief bill. She will recall the countless volunteers that provided backpacks to her school and helped tarp roofs. Any spots in her memory or questions she has I will be able to fill in.

Today, I want to keep her innocent for just a little bit longer.

“That is a great question sweetie. Let’s say a prayer that they get the help they need to fix their house.”