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Friday was Christian Heroes Day at Lily's school.
The children were encouraged to dress up like a person they admire in "real life" or as a person from the Bible.
The first time Lily and I discussed who she would like to dress up as she said she wanted to be Mary. Unlike her choice for a Halloween costume, Lily's answer never wavered.
I can't tell you how much I wish my mother was alive to have seen Lily dressed as Mary. Mom had such a strong devotion to The Blessed Mother. I just know Mom would have loved seeing Lily as the "Lovely Lady Dressed In Blue..."
During Christian Heroes Day the kindergartners parade through the school singing "When The Saints Go Marching In" and 'pick up' the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders as they go.
The parade ends in the Upper Room where the 6th, 7th, and 8th graders are waiting for the younger kids. Oh my goodness. It was SOOO incredibly sweet!! You should've seen the faces of all the elementary school kids. They were positively BEAMING!!! It was so obvious that they enjoy performing for the big kids!
When all the kids were gathered in the Upper Room the Headmaster asked several of the kids to say who they had chosen to dress up as and why. One little boy had chosen to dress up as Matt Stover because Matt Stover points up to God after he makes a field goal, another little boy dressed up as David "Because David got to use a slingshot", and so on. The kids' answers were so cute.
After the Headmaster asked 5 or 6 kids who they were dressed up as and why he asked the kids, "Do you know why we celebrate Christian Heroes Day?" One little boy raised his hand so fast and when he was called on to answer he said, "Because you won't let us dress up for Halloween!"
I know that's not the answer the Headmaster wanted, but I've got to admit - I'm still laughing about it!!!
Guess what happened again tonight...
If you guessed Lily lost another tooth - you're right!! Well, truth be told, she didn't lose her tooth as much as she...ATE IT!!!!
The poor thing was eating a brownie for dessert when she said in a trembling voice, "Mommy, my tooth is gone."
Thankfully, somehow I knew exactly what she meant and without missing a beat I said, "Oh, did you swallow it? No problem. Let's write the tooth fairy a note and we'll let her know what happened."
Lily's tears dried up almost as quickly as her bossy streak appeared! Seriously. You should've heard our little miss giving dictation!
It went a little something like this, "Mommy, I'll tell you what to write and you write it. Okay? I'm too tired to write the whole note by myself, but I WILL sign it."
My oh my. I wonder if this means I get half the loot?
Years ago when my mom was sick I was surprised to discover I couldn't read. Truly. Couldn't. Read.
Reading had always been my safe place to land...my great escape...my best friend. It seemed like when I needed that great escape the most it abandoned me.
For the first time in my life I literally didn't read for months and months...and months. Oh, I picked up books and turned the pages...but I most definitely did not read.
Back then I didn't have a blog. If I did, I would've learned that not only could I not read...I also couldn't write.
I have come to this blog countless times in the last few weeks and stared at this expanse of white and realized I've got nothing. Nothing. I'm utterly, heartbreakingly blank.
But, then I realize that even in the midst of all this incredible, overwhelming sadness there is still great joy. When I look in the face of my beautiful little girl I remember how good life really is. Then, when I see my baby and my Dad together I remember just how blessed I am.
Please bear with me as I adjust to our new "normal."
Very. Good.
Those were the first two words Dad spoke after the doctor told him he had cancer.
I think it's safe to say that is not the response the team of doctors in Dad's hospital room were expecting.
Obviously, they don't know my father.
Dad's family was not surprised by his response. "Very Good" is Dad's way of saying, "Like it or not, there's nothing I can do to change this. So, let's make the best of it."
In fact, "Very Good" has been Dad's answer to lots of life's challenges.
It's what Dad said to me the night I went to tell he and my Mom that my first marriage was ending.
I remember being hurt by Dad's response. Very good. Are you kidding me???? What the hell is that supposed to mean???? Then I realized it was simply Dad's way of saying, "I love you. It'll be okay. There's nothing we can't get through together."
Dad has said "Very Good" countless times in the last two weeks. I imagine we will hear those two words many more times in the weeks ahead.
I would be lying if I didn't say I am dreading what's ahead. However, I am going to try my very best to follow Dad's example. I hope everyone that loves Dad will.
In an attempt to keep family and friends updated we have created a CaringBridge site for Dad. The address is: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/DonWatersSr We will update Dad's site when we learn more.
Guess who lost another tooth???
Who needs a Jack-O'-Lantern for Halloween when we have our very own Lily-O'-Lantern?!?!?
