impulse control

Early this morning (after I was already running behind but before I stood under a waterspout and was drenched by cold rain water) one of my third grade readers handed me a silver gift bag with a soft smile, "I have something for you" she said.

Inside sat a box of cordial cherries.

I was surprised- there was no need to give me a gift- no occasion. We just started reading club so it's not a thank you present. It's not a "nice to meet you" present since we read together when she was in first grade two years ago. She is the one who gave me large chocolate lips on valentines day because she thought my name was Mrs. Lipstick. Perhaps she thinks of me and thinks chocolates. But on days like today I know not to look a gift horse in the mouth.

Did she somehow know that today I woke up on the wrong side of the bed, feeling the world was against me, and that my day would only continue to get worse and worse? Did she know that I have a secret passion for dollar store cordial cherries? That at different times during the day when I was feeling behind, flustered, sick, or lost I would need to grab a bite of chocolate-covered-syrup in order to clear my mind?

So now, 10 and a half hours after I arrived at school this morning, I nibble, one by one, realizing a large portion of them are gone, and that I have a stomachache. Perhaps when the kindergartners practice their impulse control I should be right there with them...