As I start to wrap up this time of Ella's last 3 years, including the rough beginning of her life, I'm reminded about how blessed I am to be Ella's mother. She's mine. She looks like me. She laughs at my jokes. She loves me...and I don't need her to speak the words for me to know it. 
(Thank you Katherine Kramer for this picture)
This past weekend we had some great friends in town (more on this later) but they have two daughters (and one on the way). Kaylee will be 7 in July and Reese will be 3 in August (3 months younger than Ella). In some ways it was so difficult to see two healthy and active girls running circles around E, but they were SO sweet to her. Most kids just ignore Ella. She doesn't play with them or do any of the things that they do. I was explaining Ella's gait trainer to Kaylee and how we are teaching her to walk...she asked "Can I take her on a walk tomorrow?" as if it was so easy for her to just walk with Ella around the block, and it made my heart smile. She knew Ella was different and couldn't do the same things, but she didn't put any limitations on her either, I so tend to do that. Reese would hold Ella's hand and play with her, and Ella never protested, I think Reese liked someone who would just LET her play with her, no complaints! Kaylee asked "Why doesn't she play with her Barbie doll?" (Ella has a lot of dolls and toys still in their boxes in her room). I tried to explain to her that Ella doesn't have the same imagination that she does, and when she asked "why?", because all kids do, I tried to explain that when she was born her brain got hurt. She promptly told Ella "I'm sorry your brain hurts". They never left her out. They would always make sure that she was right there. My heart was healed a little this weekend by two little girls.
(Picture is of Reese and Ella talking and holding hands after swimming this weekend)
(Picture is of Reese and Ella talking and holding hands after swimming this weekend)
10 comments:
oh the innocence of children. What a fun exchange for you to witness. Reese and Ella seem like they were two peas in a pod!!
This is a precious post Andrea. I love it! Those little girls have no idea how much God has in store for their lives...in helping people heal with their sweet spirits. And at the same time, it shows how much glory to God is manifested in your child's life. She has the ability to touch people's lives in ways that other people cannot do.
So even if you underestimate your daughter sometimes, God's ability to use her to show Himself to US, is pretty awesome. He cannot be underestimated. She is a gift to so many of us watching your lives unfold!
I can understand your feelings on this type of situation. One thing that I love, is when my Mom takes Avery to go play w/ Ella but she gets the most interaction w/ the other little girl my Mom watches which is Emmy. When Avery hears that she is going to get to go play w/ her she gets REALLY excited!! I love that Avery gets to play w/ other children w/ special needs b/c it will make her a much more sympathetic and loving adult. My Mom exposed us to this same type of thing and I love her for it. I also love hearing from Emmy's parents and therapist that they have seen improvements in her since being around Avery so much and that makes my heart happy!! Emmy's daddy even joked about quitting his job and babyitting Avery so that she can play w/ Emmy every day!!!! I'm glad Ella has some wonderful little friends and you too!
Love you A -- this post made me smile.
It is amazing how wonderful kids can be at that age. Even more wonderful when we actually get to witness it!
Oh man. This is one of my favorite posts. Thanks for sharing that, A.
We just love you guys and am thankful for our friendship. We need to get together more often. My girls can't quit talking about Ella. They thought she was just a wonderful new friend. Oh, and it is not good to make a big pregnant woman cry. Just kidding!--Molly
What a beautiful post.
don't you just love the fact that your friends have already instilled a sense of compassion and unconditional love in their two little ones...and...
....hmmmm...doesn't that just describe you too! as hard as it is and as much as it sometimes hurts, God blessed her with YOU as a mommy. that heart. i saw that heart long before you were married or before ella was born. God bless your precious family. love, jan
Levi is in Sunday School with Ella at 11:00. His class combines with hers...I think you pick her up earlier, anyway, when I ask him what friends were in Sunday School...he always says Ella!
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