Many who read this blog don’t really know my children. And that’s OK, I never meant this to be a window prying in to their private lives. But I want to go on record as saying that I have some really amazing kids. All four of them. This particular picture was taken on July 4th, just two days before Mom slipped into a coma and four days before she passed. Unbeknownst to us at the time, we were on the cusp of snowballing events that would once again forever change things for our family.
It’s hard to have siblings with physical and mental health struggles, to have extra responsibilities put on your plate because of that. Hard to need to keep adapting to constantly changing circumstances. But I just want to say that this kid here is simply amazing. So much fun. A wonderful friend (and friend to everyone, and especially beloved by her younger cousins). Responsible with school, work, and getting herself where she needs to be when she needs to be there. Overcoming several of her own challenges, and tackling them with determination and grace. Willing to help out at home. A good sport at now being the “tall one” of the family (and the strongest), so often being called in to reach or move things. My fellow extrovert always ready for a good time. My go-to person to weigh in on jewelry or shoe selections. A bad influence when I take her shopping (when she’s with me I somehow always come home with way more than I intended). Insightful. Loving. Yep, she’s pretty amazing all right.
The two of us are about to leave and get away for a weekend together, along with one of my friends and her daughter. I don’t get that sort of extended one on one time with my kids very often, and it is long overdue. For this child in particular, who often has to acquiesce to the needs of her siblings or the demands of her mother’s work schedule or her other responsibilities and obligations. We are SO looking forward to the next few days. You bet we are going to live it up!!