Day Thirteen: The Children

     Our little spitfire (see day six) and her mother are leaving!  Those of us who have grown so fond of her decided that, since she cannot become President of the U.S. because she wasn't born here, she will be Secretary of State one day.  She has endeared herself to everyone here and I think we will be proud to say we knew her when....  I cannot describe the warmth and pride on her mother's face as we said goodbye.  She is an amazing parent to have raised such a child under the most difficult of circumstances.  I feel so proud to know them!
     Again today, a child "celebrated" his birthday with us - this, his second.  His mother was trying to appear happy about his special day, but her sorrow about him spending it here was very apparent. 
     Many of the teenagers speak a little English and like to practice it, so I try to talk with them about their interests, their dreams.  We have learned to be careful about asking questions that would not be a problem in normal circumstances.  For example, asking about one's family might draw out a painful description of a split family.  But, these young people obviously crave conversation and interest from people other than the people with whom they spend long, uninteresting days. 
     The separation of the families who would prefer to be together is so sad to see.  Today, we interviewed a woman with her 3 year old son asleep on her lap.  The boy has a twin and the mother does not know where her daughter is.  She cannot very well find out, either, from the inside of this detention center.  We all cried.
     Overall, the children are frighteningly calm.  We know they are hungry for familiar food, for stimulation and for a normal life.  They stay very close by their mothers' sides, and we never see them do anything but color and watch movies.  Once in a great while, a child "misbehaves" and we find it refreshing to see some energy.  Many children who are well beyond the age of napping spend the afternoon sleeping in their mothers' arms.
     I hope to always remember the beautiful faces of the children.