Proud Vocabulary (Or: Khloe Belle Lesson #1,240)

Webster’s defines Proud as feeling deep pleasure or satisfaction as a result of one’s own achievements,

Proud is a POWERFUL word. I’m referring more to the latter part of Webster’s definition and I’m not referring to “…the kind in the bible that makes you bad” as the Avett Brothers would say. I don’t remember this word being thrown around a great deal growing up. Perhaps it’s a generational thing, a Cuban thing or a me thing. I used it with my children, still do in fact. I have to admit however that the older I get, the more I use it. I not only use it a great deal with my Khloe but find myself using it a lot these days. The “I’m proud of you for …” are always genuine but I’ve noticed that it’s different than when I started using it freely.

The first time I said it to an adult, it felt weird. I remember the recipient too was taken aback but enjoyed it, accepted it and sat up a little straighter in his chair. I think perhaps that’s why the generational issue came to mind.

Just this week I heard two great examples of why I believe the word “proud” should be embraced and should in fact be a very normal part of the vocabulary of our little/young ones. Yes both examples are from Khloe but each different.

She was having a popsicle sitting next to my Mom, her Aba (her Greatgrandmother – that’s not an actual translation, that’s just what she calls her) as they watched whatever was on Nick Jr. For some reason, Khloe turned to Aba and asked her if her Mom was in heaven. My mother confirmed she was indeed. Then she asked her if her father was in heaven too. Again, confirmed.

Khloe in her wisdom and maturity said “Don’t worry Aba, it’s okay. They are very proud of you because you’re a good person.” My Mom just stood there with a WTF look on her face as she recounted the story.

Khloe is in Costa Rica today with her Mom, Dad, PapPap and 3 aunties who love her big time. They all went ziplining yesterday and although she’d not tried it before, she told me on our phone call that she did it all by herself and she’d had so much fun. When her PapPap told me the story, he mentioned that once she’d completed her course, she told everyone that Mima was going to be so proud of her for being brave. You know what, she’s right, I am so proud of her.

When I heard this story, I thought about how generous Khloe is with her use of the word proud and how appropriately she uses it. I pray she will continue to use this word and let people know when she is proud of them.