Willem and Dalia are the young grandchildren of my friend and Union Church minister Jan Hryniewicz. Jan is always presenting us with new "Willem and Dalia" gems from these two wise children. Now their mother, Niki Cousineau, has given us permission to share some with you.

Willem was just asking to play something with Dalia. She said, "Not right now, Willem."

He asked again and Dalia said, "NOT RIGHT NOW, WILLEM!"

Willem said, "But I thought you said you loved me."

And Dalia replied, "I do but it doesn't mean I want to play with you right now."

Willem asked, "Well, then, what does it mean?"

Dalia's response: "It means I care for you and I don't want to sell you!"

Saying "no" to someone we love without hurting them in the process is a delicate balance of truth and compassion. Dalia shows us the way.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Meredith Jordan,