Monday, July 27, 2009

As appealing as peace and harmony may be, don't try this at home

The week before Mini Me's surgery, there was constant fighting at home. You know the kind that occurs between big brothers and little sisters. One night, I tried to explain to my boys that what their sister was about to go through was very serious and if they could muster up a little kindness for her, it would be really great.
Isn't there a saying that goes something like, "If mom yells, `Please stop torturing each other,' in the woods, does anyone hear?"
The day of Mini Me's surgery her big brother's fasted and prayed for her. It was their first experience fasting. To their 10-year-old credit, they did it willingly and without complaint.
After Mini Me came out of recovery and was moved up to her hospital room, they each gave her a kiss on the forehead and then went to grandma and grandpa's to spend the night.
Later that night, when Mini Me was feeling her worst, she wanted to call her "boys." I told her that it was 10:30 at night and that they were already in bed, but she insisted that she had to talk to them. So we called.
When she had them on the phone, she tearfully told them that she missed them and asked if they could play Super Smash Brothers when she got home.
I think that is when the magic happened. In that moment my boys understood how much they meant to her and how much she meant to them.
Since Mini Me has been home from the hospital her brothers have been so good to her. They play with her and fetch things for her. They make her lunch and let her pick what they will watch on TV.
Most touching of all, I think, is that Mini Me is wearing a bandana to cover the horsehoe-shaped incision and 16 staples on the back of her head. Her brothers, in an effort to show solidarity, have decided that they want to wear bandanas, too.
I wish that this isn't what had to happen for my kids to get along better, but seeing their little sister at her most vulnerable has changed things at my house...
...at least for a little while.

24 comments:

  1. That is sweet. I am glad your kids are able to get something positive out of this.

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  2. I love that they are looking after their baby sister. I think she'll be taken care of for the rest of her life.

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  3. Um, thank you for making me cry. My eyes were getting dry and I can't reach the artificial tears. And for sure didn't want to get off my A to get them. Your a giver Miss Annie.

    What an amazing experience for your kids! One that they won't forget and that has forged some unbreakable ties. Things happen for a reason, you will continue to see them every single day.....
    Hope Mini Me is feeling better soon. Keep us updated will ya?

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  4. We noticed the same thing when Ty was going through chemo. It was almost worth the whole experience, just for the sweetness they had during that time.

    Hope mini-me's feeling better and those bandanas sure are cute!

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  5. So sweet. Big brothers are always there for a younger sister.

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  6. K...this is just awe.some. You have great kids. My girls are either fighting or loving each other to death. I'll take that over ignoring each other any day.

    Your 3 look so cute in their bandanas. Don't tell your boys I said that. ;)

    I sure hope Mini Me gets recovered soon and that her brothers always take care of her :)

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  7. I hope she milks it for all its worth! :) Those boys need to learn how to treat women right, right?

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  8. that was so sweet -what thoughtful boys heres to more solidarity and a speedy 100% recovery

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  9. Candy coated cuteness! What good brothers and such an inspiring story!

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  10. What sweet boys! Hope your Mini-Me continues to do well!

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  11. That is so sweet. I'm sure it will aid in a quicker recovery with her bros on her side.

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  12. It is a very good mommy moment when they step up when it most counts. They have a good foundation...and a good Mommy.

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  13. You do NOT need to make me cry at 7:45 in the morning. I'm glad everything turned out well.

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  14. I found your blog via MMB and thought I'd check it out. I'm so sorry your daughter had to have that experience (and you- it's almost harder on the Mom). However, I'm glad that everyone is getting along better as a result. Every trial has it's silver lining.

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  15. Hoping all is well! Though A little disappointed that your kidlets weren't going through a gangster phase with the bandannas like my thirteen year old with a sideways hat and collection of wife beaters. Fashion misery loves company.

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  16. I am glad that all turned out well for everyone. However, I am a little upset that you didn't tell me there was a problem. I am still here, just not as visible as I was a year ago. I still love your family very much. I care about you all and think about "yesterdays" all the time. Take care and give Mini a hug from Chey and I.

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  17. So happy that peace has been restored. Hope she has a speedy, happy recovery. :)

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  18. Annie, this is such a sweet post. I love those moments (precious and few at my house) where my kids truly appreciate each other!

    It sounds like you've been through quite a scary time, but hopefully the worst of it is over. I hope all goes well with Mini-Me's recovery and that life gets back to normal soon!

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  19. Oh, this is so sweet and exactly what I needed to read right now. Blessings to your sweet babies...

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  20. That is so sweet and touching. They all look great in their matching bandannas. Hugs to you and your munchkins.

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  21. Okay, now I'm crying. That picture is priceless.

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  22. So cute! I love when they "get it" and come together as siblings.

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