Damian's Wisdom - A lesson for mom

So it's time for bedtime, and Damian and I are having a conversation as we're going through the bedtime ritual.

As I am leaving, Aidan in my arms, I decide to tell Aidan: "We love Damian, don't we?" (We had just finished showering big brother with kisses), then I added: "Everybody loves Damian!"
To which Damian replied: "Not everybody!"

-"Why do you say that Damian?"
-"Well not everyone likes me... like at school"
I stay silent... he decides not to respond, so I say
-"You are right Damian, not everyone likes everyone, and we are not all liked by everyone"
=" I like everyone." I believe him, I truly do. Not a nasty bone in that small body of his, but I continue
-"All I ask from you Damian, is that even if you don't like someone, you are still nice to them"
-"Mom, you know (name). I invited him to my birthday so I can talk to him" And he smiles - his pure smile

I realize that (name), [who ended up not showing up to his birthday party], is the one who doesn't like him. And I love my "big boy baby" a little more - as if that was possible - for the way he decided to deal with it. A maturity one wishes they can sometimes find in grown-ups.

I also realized, that my son is earning my respect as much as he deserves my love.