By the content of their character

Two things about Bunny so I don't forget.

We were at Trader Joes on Sunday waiting in the check out line which was taking forever. Bunny and I stood watching a little girl playing over by the potted orchids, prancing and dancing while her mother choose flowers. The girl was probably around six or seven, at least a year older than Bun.

In the course of her bouncing around, the girl knocked over an orchid. She glanced at it for a few moments, then scampered off to follow her mom.

I watched Bunny regarding the whole scene. She hesitated for a moment then took two steps towards the tipped over plant then turned to me and explained, "I'm going to pick up the flower pot."  She walked over, turned the pot upright, then walked back into my outstretched arms where I gave her the huge-est hug and kiss I could muster.

I explained how proud I was of her that she "did the right thing," and she smiled broadly.

Everyone in line saw the tears of pride in my eyes and I didn't care. Because that's my girl.
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Today over lunch Bunny said, "When you and Papa are really, really old and you die, who will be my Mamma and Papa?"

Talk about throwing you for a loop.

I pulled it together and replied, "We will always be your Mamma and Papa. Even when we aren't with you, like when you are at school or at a friend's house, we are still your Mamma and Papa."

She asked again what would happen when we die, and I reassured her once again that no matter what, we will always be her parents.

She paused for a second, then brightened and exclaimed, "When you DIE you will be angels with wings and a sparkly angel crown! And when I die I will be an angel, too! With BIG WINGS!" And that was the end of that.

I love her so much.

Comments

[lisa k]

Your daughters are awesome. You seem to be raising them so well, and you must be so proud.

My son always asks about death, too. He says, "Mommy, if we no longer have bodies, how will you find me?" I tell him that my heart will always find his heart.

[Lea]

So nice...I live in dread of the death questions. Baby A will be three in June, so I know they're just around the corner. Each time I hear a parent's thoughtful response, like yours, I try to file it away. Seems like nothing can truly prepare you, though.

Whew...between this post and "SItuation Normal," I've had my centering reading for the week. Thank you for such good stuff.

- L

[maggie]

Lovely girl.

[honglien123]

Bunny rocks!

[Jenny]

Such a sweetie. We have the when you guys die conversation all the time. I sometimes wonder if there is a plot I am unaware of.

[GraceD]

WAAAAAAAH!

You should have a disclaimer for these types of posts. Something like:

Warning - Do not read this post if suffering from hormonal instability (i.e., PMS, menstruation, perimenopause, full-flat-out menopause). Emotional lability, involuntary sighing and a compulsion to eat your children's cheeks may occur. Should these symptoms persist, please remember that recent meltdown at Target and how you had to abort a good shopping session to get your screaming kid out of the store and away from the glares of other shoppers.

I think that would fly with the FDA.