Can we be people?

Aloise was about 4 when she announced to me, quite emphatically,  "I want to be a people!" 

You've all heard the story, I'm sure.  Aloise watched as all of you departed the house on a school bus...while she remained at home with Brent and me.   In her 4 yr. old mind, going on that school bus was a rite of passage, I guess.  You weren't real, you weren't a "people" until you climbed those steps, watched the door close behind you, waved good-bye and went on your way. 

I bought her dot-to-dot alphabet and shape books.  I bought her a book-bag.  I gave her pencils and crayons and a little carry case to put them in.  I said to her, "Here! You have some school work you can do", thinking this would certainly appease her.
And while she visibly brightened at seeing her "stash", she would not be appeased.
Crossing her arms, looking defiant and sad in equal measure, she again announced, "I want to be a people.  People go in school buses!" 

So the other day Martha recounts Lucia's latest emphatic statement.  Put on notice about something she has done or is being asked to do, Lucia puts out her hand and replies,
Mama! Don't yell at people!"  Sometimes with the exclamation, sometimes as a mere request, " Don't yell at people."

I have to tell you that this is one of the funniest things I've heard in a long time.  "Don't yell at people." 

 And I can't help but wonder how vast and wide genetics span.