Terrified of the 'Other'

KK-

The other night we went to a Marriage Forum at the Institute Building.  The speaker talked about the necessity of the 'other' in our world.  The speaker's topic came from the scripture in 2 Nephi 2:11, "For it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things." There must be sorrow in the world, so that there can be joy.  It is crucial for us to experience the 'other' in our own lives.  How we react to and interact with the 'other' defines us as a person.

I have come to realize that I am terrified of the 'other' when it comes to my little boys.  

Recently I have been feeling real and imaginary pressure about putting T Bear into preschool.  Many children are already in preschool by age 2 1/2 years.  Several people have asked if T Bear is in preschool already.  I answer no, and say I don't want him in preschool.  When I say this, I get a surprised look.  Honestly, I don't want him in preschool because that is when he will learn bad things (of course they learn good things too). That is when he starts to experience the 'other'.  

Right now T Bear and Baby Cub are in my world of safety and innocence.  They believe what we teach them and they thrive in our home filled with love and the Spirit.  But how will they hold up when they are out of our home and sphere of influence?  How will they react to and interact with the 'other'?  Will they remember what they have been taught in our home?  Will they become stronger and better boys? 

After crying about my boys growing up too quickly, I have been forcing myself to find some peace to calm me down.  I need some hope and faith that my boys with turn out amazingly well.  That, encountering the 'other', will make them even more extraordinary.  Hopefully, some day I may be proud that my boys successfully interacted with the 'other' in the world.  

-Miss T