With four children you can be sure things could get pretty loud and chaotic in our house at times. Believe me, I've heard my share of 'he did...' and 'she did it first...' and 'she took my...' and 'tell him to stop' and...well, you get the picture.
But there were plenty of good times, too; times when it was obvious they would rather be together than anywhere else and times when their love for one another was bigger and louder than any argument they ever had. Thankfully the good times were more plentiful than the not-so-good ones, but one such moment I know I will never forget happened one night when Zach took Emma on a 'date'...
We had spent most of the week showing livestock at the fair. The fair ended on Saturday night. We had taken the animals home and had gotten everything put away when Zach, who was sixteen, asked if he could go back to the demolition derby and if he could take four year-old Emma with him. We agreed, but said they couldn't stay too late. And off they went.
They came home a little after ten. Emma was obviously sleepy and immediately started toward her bedroom. But then she stopped, turned around, came back to Zach and said, "Bubba, thanks for asking me to go with you tonight." And without a moment's hesitation, Zach said, "You're welcome, Emma and thanks for going with me."
My heart just melted. They really did love each other. They still do.
If you have more than one child there are times when everyone in your house isn't getting along. That's just the way it is. Siblings argue. They fight (sometimes physically). Again...that's just the way it is. BUT...as parents we need to teach our children to love one another and to watch out for one another. We have the responsibility to teach our children that siblings are their forever-friends and that no one will ever be able to fill that spot in their heart.
Love,
Momma D