Kindness

Last night, Ella and I went to a birthday party at Monkey Joe's - at 5:30 pm. On the way there, Audrey's mom (Kaydie McQuade) and I were bemoaning going to a party at 5:30 on a Friday...who does that? Well we were wrong, and it turned out to be a really fun experience for both of us. The best part for me, was watching Ella (and Audrey) interact with one of her classmates. This little girl, Teegan, was born at 26 weeks (I think). She recently came off a trach and eats through a feeding tube mostly. She is mainly in a wheelchair at school. But all of those little facts, did not compare to the love and friendship Ella has with her. Ella wanted to go down the slide with her, bounce in the bounce houses with her and have Teegan sit next to her during cake and pizza. She is so acutely aware of her presence and making sure she is included - that is truly brought tears to my eyes. She doesn't see Teegan as a girl with special needs, she sees Teegan as a little girl with needs - just like Ella has and just like Audrey - to be included, loved and cared for. To bear witness to my daughter give all of those gifts to her was truly a gift for me as a mother. I don't always know if what I do is working, but yesterday, I saw what a remarkable and kind person Ella is and for that I have no complaints - only gratitude. Love, Mommy