Helping a kindergartner put on his boots should have been easy. But as Johnny pushed and his teacher pulled, neither boot seemed willing to cooperate. Finally, both were on—and then Johnny pointed out that they were on the wrong feet. Off they came, with another exhausting struggle. She patiently switched them and wrestled them back into place, only to hear, “These aren’t my boots.” Holding back the response rising in her throat, she pulled them off yet again.

“They’re my brother’s boots,” Johnny explained. “My mom made me wear them.” Caught somewhere between laughter and tears, the teacher gathered what patience she had left and started over. After one more determined effort, the boots were finally where they belonged. Ready to finish getting him dressed, she asked, “Now, where are your mittens?” Johnny had the answer all along: “Oh, I stuffed them in the toes of my boots.”