As many of you know, my sister and I spend a tremendous amount of time together. Our children are the same ages, they go to the same schools, and we live around the corner from one another. So, it’s not surprising that although I only have two biological children, I act like I have four. (My sister does too!)
I have been known to pretend to be my nephew’s mother as people have fawned over his adorable, curly, blond locks. I’ve also been know to pass my niece off as my own on several occasions. Usually, this happens in the stores — like when my own daughter is throwing a fit and I pretend she’s Daniele’s naughty kid instead.
I really enjoy this incredibly close bond that we have together as sisters, and as mothers, and we work hard to ensure that our children always treat each other with as much love and respect as each of them deserve.*
So when it comes time to talk about all of the little things that make our kids extraordinary, my list is extensive. It’s almost embarrassing really, because I could prattle on about why I love these kids all day long. Once I start talking about them, it’s almost impossible to make me stop. Because what makes our kids, and yours too, so incredible isn’t the big things. It’s the little things. The small moments that maybe only we, as their parents, get to see and quietly celebrate every day.
For example, I am continuously amazed by the amount of compassion that our children show to others. It’s the kind of compassion that only comes from the heart – and these kiddos have it. When our Grandfather was very ill, the kids would constantly ask my sister and I if they could go see him. They would sit on his bed and read him books, and tell him all sorts of ridiculous stories, and they would lay on his bed and babble on about nothing, and they even helped us make him nourishing soups because “it was nice”. Somehow, these little kids knew that their presence brought our Grandfather so much happiness, and even though other children might think these trips were boring, they never did. They always went, they always spent time with him, and they always told him how much they loved him.
Compassion like this makes our children extraordinary. But, it’s not only their compassion for others, it’s the little things that make them so much fun to be around. It’s their silly little giggles that are now turning into school-aged laughing fits, it’s their ridiculous way of telling stories and trying to convince us that they’re all true, it’s their beautiful smiles that light up a room, and so much more. Yes, there are so many reasons why our children are extraordinary.
As parents, we couldn’t be prouder. They’re growing up into lovely human beings who will make this world a much brighter, safer and happier place to live in. They are the future of this complicated world that we live in, and perhaps we’re jaded by our immense love for them, but we know that great things will come from them.
Whether they run off to Africa to be a wildlife photographer, or grow up to play Major League Baseball, or move to Manhattan to become a fashion designer, or end up being an Olympic gymnast, we will support and encourage them all the way. And to make sure that we help them chase their dreams, and remember how much fun they’re having together — as children — we created a video on the Stanford Children’s Health microsite to share with them. It was a lot of fun and was a special way to show them how much we care about them. You can see it here.
We know that your kids are extraordinary too! So celebrate your children and show them how much you enjoy every moment together by creating a special video of your own! They won’t forget it. 🙂
About Stanford Children’s Health and Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford:
- Stanford Children’s Health and Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford has been the top-ranked children’s hospital in Northern California for over a decade.
- Stanford Children’s Health is the largest Bay Area healthcare provider with an exclusive focus on children and expectant women.
- Whether your visit is routine or rare, Stanford Children’s Health is committed to providing extraordinary care for healthier happy lives.
- Stanford Children’s Health doctors can be reached within 10 miles of most homes in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Thanks for reading,
Denine
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
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