Just when you think you've got them all figured out...

Sorry to go on and on about the stomach flu- but that appears to be our life for now. Last night both Savannah and I were struck. I was changing a diaper, thinking about how awful it was that the two most competent individuals in the household were sick at the same time- when I called to Emmaline because I needed to take a quick trip to the toilet. I was so weak, it took me a while to make it back to the nursery and by the time I did, I found Tucker in his pajamas and in bed with Emmaline sitting beside him, reading to him. After I got Oliver to bed, I went to bed myself. Later, when I went to the bathroom, I could hear some animated discussion going on downstairs. I hurried down, expecting another argument since Savannah started one earlier by saying, "Thanks a lot Emmaline, for making us all throw up." Yes, she's a teenager and she's sweet like that.

What I found couldn't have been more opposite. Emmaline and Savannah were both in the bathroom. Savannah was spread out on the bath rug moaning, Sprite in hand. Emmaline was propped against the wall reading to her. She explained that Savannah didn't want to be in the bathroom being sick alone, so she came in to keep her company. Now that's love! Someday hopefully Savannah will remember it.

And that reminds me of another post that I wanted to write long ago about Emmaline. There is a little girl in our ward, about a year younger than Emmaline. She has some kind of degenerative disease that causes her to have mini-strokes all the time. She needs assistance to walk and cannot talk other than making one syllable noises and pointing. Emmaline always makes a point of trying to include her and talk to her and she in turn ADORES Emmaline. A while back, her teacher wrote a note to Emmaline to thank her. It read:

Emmaline,
I wanted to write and tell you how impressed I have been with you in Primary. I have watched you interact with Eliza Jane and have noticed how kind and loving you are towards her. She loves that you like to sit by her, help her out when needed and work together. I believe this is probably a highlight for her during Sharing Time. I just wanted you to know that your kindness does not go unnoticed; you will be blessed for having such a loving heart!

Emmaline has so many struggles, but things like this help me remember what's really important and give me faith that we are actually going to make it!