Lizzy Brings Joy

Today Lizzy didn't have school, so I wasn't quite sure how to handle Peter's gym class. They have become really strict about letting siblings occasionally sit in, and ask that they not participate at all and just sit on the sideline. Really?! Come on! Knowing Lizzy, I knew this would be really hard for her, but I thought we could give it a try and sneak in some playing time. Well, right away, Peter's teacher spotted Lizzy and reminded me of the rule. I could see the hurt in her eyes immediately, how left out she felt, but she quietly walked to the side and began to draw. I breathed a sigh of relief and thought, "Maybe she'll just work on a picture or read some books while Peter plays?!" Don't I know my daughter though, and don't I know that she's never one to "back down" quietly? She walked over to me, with her sad face, and handed me the above picture of Peter's teacher (this is her go-to picture when she's mad at someone. I know it seems kind of mean, but I always appreciate her honesty with her feelings, and, to be truthful, I'm always bizarrely proud that she can write the word "no"). I worried things may be going south, and fast. But then we changed to a new area, and the class moved into the gym. Here, I was assured, Lizzy could run around and play with the equipment as nothing was too "dangerous" in here. That's when the magic happened. Peter blossomed in a way I'd never seen him do in class before. He ran around and laughed his head off playing hockey with Lizzy. When the parachute came out, which he's disdainful towards on a good day, he hopped right on next to Lizzy. He ran around in the parachute house gleefully. I marveled at Lizzy's ability to put Peter at ease, make him feel so safe and comfortable, and give him the gift of her contagious joy. And there I saw it so clearly, Lizzy's beautiful gifts that we are so blessed to share- her leadership, her confidence, her eagerness to jump in and have fun. Her ability to effortlessly bring her little brother into the folds of her happiness. How thankful I was that she could come to class today, and share some special time with Peter!