Kind Isabelle

On Halloween, Isabelle's school had an awards assembly where she was recognized along with some of her peers for their strengths.  Some strengths recognized are humor, perseverance, friendly, helpful and more.  Isabelle was recognized for the strength of kindness.  

That's her up there with the cat headband and the black and orange attire (that's how they can dress up for Halloween at their school- colors).  

All of the strengths are ones to be proud of and I am especially proud of Isabelle and her award for kindness.  Her teacher shared that Isabelle is kind to everyone, that she always sees the best in other people and how she always want to try to help others with her genuine care.  I am so proud of her because of the many qualities I value and hope to instill in my children, it is that they are kind.

In a world that in my opinion, is lacking in kindness, it gives me hope that our future, our children embody these strengths and that I'm lucky enough to get to raise a beautiful young girl who every day shows kindness to others.

Tonight as I tucked Isabelle and Madelyn into bed I read them the story "When God found us you"  It is a story given to us when the boys came home and one I loved reading with them.  Now I read it with Isabelle and Madelyn and soak up every minute.  It was the first time Madelyn had heard it and she listened attentively and at first, I didn't think Isabelle was paying as close of attention as Madelyn.  It is a story of a momma fox who prayed, hoped and longed for a baby fox and after a long time of waiting and almost giving up hope, God brought her a baby fox.  The momma fox says in the book it was one of the happiest days of her life.  At the end of the book, Isabelle said, "Mom I think... " an di thought she was going to say something about being adopted as she is starting to understand what it means.  I waited for her to finish her sentence... "Mom, I think we should get another pet." I laughed, not what I was expecting.  I declined her ask, we have enough stuff to keep track of Isabelle, and then we went onto say our prayers.  As we said, "Amen" I leaned over to kiss her goodnight and she said, "Mom, will you tell me about when God found me for you?"  I smiled ... I'd love to Isabelle.  I explained that she was a tiny precious baby and they called us to ask us if we wanted to be her parents.  I told her that we said yes right away and were so excited to meet her.  She smiled.  Then she said, "Mom, why did my other mom give up on me?"  As she said the words, my heart broke, and I said, "Isabelle sometimes moms and dad's have babies and they realize they can't provide the life and the things their babies need, so sometimes those babies go to families who can give them the best life they can.  Isabelle, we are so grateful we get to be your parents, and honey, just like in the book... "the day God found us you was one of the happiest days of my life.  We love you."  In hearing my words, Isabelle pulled her blanket up under her chin and cuddled with it and wearing a smile from ear to ear she said, I love you, mom."  

I hope she always knows how much we love her, cherish her and think of her always as our own.  I never want her to think or feel like her story is less than any other of our children.  We love all of them, those here on earth and above the same and while we came to be together in different ways, and our time together is longer with some than others.... my heart feels love differently, abundantly and eternally for all of them.

Isabelle you are growing up so quickly and we are oh so proud of you.  Keep on being kind.  It is one of many qualities that make you shine so beautifully. 

Love you always, 

Mom