The Brave Little Soul

I've been thinking of an old friend today who lost her little two year old boy last night.  I don't know the details of his passing, but I know surviving to the age of two was a miracle.  When Millie was born this sweet friend reached out to me to lend support.  She also shared her "Carepages" with me.  In reading her son's story I found this story she quoted.  It warmed my heart as I thought of my experience with the hundreds of strangers and loved ones praying and thinking of our sweet little Millie.  I hope you will say a little prayer for his family.

'The Brave Little Soul'

By John Alessi

Not too long ago in Heaven there was a little soul who took wonder in observing the world. He especially enjoyed the love he saw there and often expressed this joy with God. One day however the little soul was sad, for on this day he saw suffering in the world. He approached God and sadly asked, 'Why do bad things happen; why is there suffering in the world?'

God paused for a moment and replied, 'Little Soul, do not be sad, for the suffering you see, unlocks the love in people's hearts.' The little soul was confused. 'What do you mean,' he asked. 'God replied, 'Have you not noticed the goodness and love that is the offspring of that suffering? Look at how people come together, drop their differences and show their love and compassion for those who suffer... All their other motivations disappear and they become motivated by love alone.'

The little soul began to understand and listened attentively as God continued, 'The suffering soul unlocks the love in people's hearts much like the sun and the rain unlock the flower within the seed. I created everyone with endless love in their heart, but unfortunately most people keep it locked up and hardly share it with anyone. They are afraid to let their love shine freely, because they are afraid of being hurt. But a suffering soul unlocks that love. I tell you this - it is the greatest miracle of all. Many souls have bravely chosen to go into the world and suffer - to unlock this love - to create this miracle - for the good of all humanity.'

Just then the little soul got a wonderful idea and could hardly contain himself. With his wings fluttering, bouncing up and down, the little soul excitedly replied, 'I am brave; let me go!! I would love to go into the world and suffer so that I can unlock the goodness and love in people's hearts! I want to create that miracle!!'

God smiled and said, 'You are a brave soul I know, and thus I will grant your request. But even though you are very brave you will not be able to do this alone. I have known since the beginning of time that you would ask for this and so I have carefully selected many souls to care for you on your journey. Those souls will help create your miracle; however they will also share in your suffering. Two of these souls are most special and will care for you, help you and suffer along with you, far beyond the others. They have already chosen a name for you.'

God and the brave little soul shared a smile, and then embraced. In parting, God said, 'Do not forget little soul that I will be with you always. Although you have agreed to bear the pain, you will do so through my strength. And if the time should come when you feel that you have suffered enough, just say the word, think the thought, and you will be healed.'

Thus at that moment the brave little soul was born into the world, and through his suffering and God's strength, he unlocked the goodness and love in people's hearts. For so many people dropped their differences and came together to show their love. Priorities became properly aligned. People gave from their hearts. Those that were always too busy found time. Many began new spiritual journeys - some regained lost faith - many came back to God. Parents hugged their children tighter. Friends and family grew closer. Old friends got together and new friendships were made. Distant family reunited, and every family spent more time together. People checked a website and sent notes of encouragement. People made and brought meals to the family of the suffering. Everyone prayed. Peace and love reigned. Lives changed forever. It was good. The world was a better place. The miracle had happened.  God was pleased.

Hi!

This is not Millie's actual Halloween costume, this girl just loves to play dress-up.  It was a back-up costume from last year.  This post needed a picture, and she just so cute (even if she does look a little sad, I promise she insisted on wearing it).

I don't know if its that I've finally faced the fact that summer is over or that Millie is getting so busy but I have nearly lost all sense of motivation.  I say nearly because I still try a little.

Sure my idea of scripture study is reading my quote of the day calendar.  Perhaps my idea of exercise is researching gyms and making low offers on treadmills on Craig's List.  Maybe Millie and I eat breakfast (again) for dinner when Buck has a work thing.  And yes, Millie learns a lot from Clifford, Sesame Street, and Curious George but so what?

The good news is that while I feel at a stand-still, Millie is still moving forward.  She still eats a lot, but her likes and dis-likes are becoming more apparent (darn it).  She is still gaining weight and getting taller, but a lot of her clothes from last fall still fit.  I don't mind though, since we haven't bought her anything new yet.  The big one, though, is that Millie is finally catching on to the whole language thing.

She had what I like to call a "language explosion" a couple of days ago.  I pulled out family pictures to teach her a few names, which she repeated for the first time.  I also finally got her to repeat a few different animal sounds and names (poor girl has been stuck on dog forever).  She's still dog obsessed, and insists on wearing her dog P-jams all the time.  Even in the day over her outfit.  It's unfortunate that Papi (Buck's Dad) sounds a lot like puppy, so he gets a bark after his name is repeated.  Yes, language is great.  It's only a matter of time before I can threaten to spank her bottom and she'll get it.

I'm really proud of her and all her hard work.  It just melts my heart anytime I see her "studying" her little books or sneaking into her room to point at our picture and say "mama" and "dada" just to practice.  That reminds me that I should probably put up some pictures of other people.

My goal to get out of this rut is to get back on a schedule.  We are strict with nap time and bed time but that is it.  I need to carve out some learning/activity time, alone time, snack time, etc so she and I have more consistent days.  I was pretty good at that when she was a baby-baby, but seriously she never stops moving anymore.  Maybe now that I put it out there, I'll actually do it.

Hope y'all are having a beautiful Fall day!

Warms My Heart

These sweet girls spent a good portion of the day holding hands while their Dad's strolled them around New York City.  We went on a little trip on Monday with some of our BYU friends and had a great time.  That was cute, but do you want to know what really warms my heart?


The other night Millie took her appetizer (ok dinner was running late so it was a bowl full of graham crackers) into the living room, set the bowl on the carpet, kneeled beside it and blessed her food.  I seriously almost cried.


I'm so glad she's catching onto good habits for now.  And she knows even graham crackers are a blessing.