Last week, I was blessed to have my eight-year- old Goddaughter, Julia have a sleepover, along with her 6 and three-quarters-year old sister, Chloe (the three-quarters is very important!).
We went to the movies, out for a pizza dinner, then home to watch Nickelodeon. I was completely blown away by how well mannered, thoughtful and caring they were. Like little beams of love and light, they brightened my week like nothing has in such a long time.
Julia, being slightly older, takes it upon herself to protect and look after her sister. She made sure she was warm during the movie, by wrapping Chloe up in a pashmina. She placed her napkin in Chloe’s lap at dinner, and she ran to get her cuddly elephant “Ellie” when we were watching TV later that night.
About half an hour after the girls went to bed, Chloe crept quietly back out to the living room. She looked tired and a little sad. “I miss Mum and Dad,” she said softly. Within seconds, Julia was there filled with support and advice. “She misses them sometimes,” she explained in a very calm manner. “Why don’t we just give them a quick call?” She also turned to Chloe and offered all kind of suggestions on how to stop missing them, and reminded her of how much fun they were having on their sleepover.
The next morning, the girls climbed into bed with me, and Julia once again ran to the spare room to get Chloe’s soft toy. When she left, beautiful Chloe turned to me and said, “You know, Julia is always doing lovely things for other people. The only person she doesn’t spoil is herself!”
It was such a pure, observant statement and one that acknowledged so much. It showed how grateful Chloe is to have such a helpful and loving big sister. It also showed that she recognizes that people who give so much need to be rewarded, too. I wonder at what age it is that we stop noticing such seemingly small things, but things that actually mean such a great deal.
I learned so much from having the girls sleepover. How important it is to let no act of kindness go unnoticed. How crucial it is to be kind to others, because it means so much. How important it is to see the world simply, through a child’s eye, so you don’t miss a thing. And importantly, to let people know how much you love them and miss them, especially in that very moment.
What was the most beautiful act of love you’ve ever seen? I’d love to hear about it.
Until next week, stay happy guys and love each other,
Shonagh xx
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