Tin and Patrick

Since I put up the Christmas tree a few days ago, our 4-yr- neighbor, Tin Tin has taken to her daily afternoon visits again. Yesterday was no exception. I barely opened the door locks when the little girl appeared from nowhere, grabbed the doorknob, eagerly turning it, so she can enter the flat. Upon successfully opening the door, she immediately made a beeline to the waiting tree. Busying herself inspecting the little toys hanging on the branches, she immediately spotted the aquawoman toy and turned the winding key at its side. Tin has fancied the same toy the moment she laid eyes on it last year, and I gave it to her when she asked for it, but she always returned it afterwards, just like she did a while ago.

There are other winding toys by the tree, some hanging on the branches, others are at its foot, and Tin found them all. After sampling each toy and getting tired of them, she spotted the Grimace paper hand puppet. The ever curious preschooler took it from its perch and asked " Ano 'to?" (What is this?) I showed her how to play with the puppet, and the tyke, in her 4 year old self,rightaway launched a question and answer game. She also named the hand puppet Patrick. Ha! Ha! It must have been a mouthful to say Grimace, especially because she has no front teeth.

Here's a sample of her questions: "Sino'ng mahal mo?" (This roughly translates to who is your sweetheart?)- "Ikaw." (You.)Upon hearing my answer, she just flung herself at me, and kissed my cheek.

Kids have a certain simplicity and spontaneity devoid of malice and schemes, which allow them the freedom to express affection and to be easily accepted and reciprocated. Few people manage to keep this simplicity without becoming simpletons. How fortunate are the little people, how blessed they are for indeed they get to open locked doors, appreciate little things, share their blessedness and be blessed in return.

Tin ended up coming and going at least 5 times last night. She made her presence known with a knock and "Hello po." She returned again this morning, as I was brushing my teeth, to play with Patrick the hand puppet. When I return home this afternoon, I'm looking forward to another few moments of pure, unadulterated bliss rendered by an extremely gregarious little girl.