I chose tolerate.

Growing up, it seemed like the adults, my parents included, always tolerated us chaps, sometimes by the tone or inflection of Mama’s or Daddy’s voice. It seemed like a great deal of patience and understanding was needed in order to tolerate us chaps as we fought with one another.

Having three older sisters always meant a defense was needed every waking minute of the too-hot, air-conditionless, seemingly never-ending summer days.

Fast forward to now. Where is this tolerance? Why can’t adults be tolerant of other people, different from each other? Why aren’t more adults teaching children this practice of tolerance?