3rd Shift Thoughts

Where I work there is a high turnover of clients. The population we serve ranges from 2-17 years of age. We serve the children of families that are experiencing a variety of difficulties but more often than not they are related to abuse or neglect. Though there are cases where there has NOT been such, those cases are rare, unfortunately.

We recently took in a 3 and 4 year old. Now where we get those ages it makes it harder for me emotionally because of my own daughter being the same age. I tear up about every night while they are here. Certainly it's unfair to a degree, but I take a show a special interest in what happens with them and where they go from here. Thankfully those above me understand and identify with that so they keep me from overstepping my bounds.

Anyway, the second night the 3 year old girl was here she woke up crying fro mommy 3-4 times. The last time I asked her if she had any stuffed animals or "friends" she could hold and sleep with. She shook her head. I promised she would have one the next night. We have some here at work, but there are just small ones.

Here is the best part. I went home, hugged my family and held my 3.5 year old on my lap and told her about this other little girl. My daughter has a ton (literally) of stuffed animals, many she doesn't even play with. Lately she has offered to give of her stuff to help others. Case in point: not too long ago my wife and I were talking anonymously about another family enduring financial hardship. When we paused, Megs stated in no uncertain tone and with half a smile and big eyes, "Them can have MY money!!"

If you are not smiling right now are are amazed at this purely unselfish offer, you need to either wake-up more and re-read this, OR you need to pray and do a serious heart check.

I was beaming with pride and Steph began to cry...typical happy proud mommy reaction :-) This time after explaining to her that I though she may want to look through those she doesn't play with and may want to share or give to this other little girl. Offering her the opportunity she has shown interest in previously. Without a word, she got down, went to her room and a minute or so later mommy began to cry again. Megs came back in the kitchen with one of her larger baby dolls that she DOES play with.......WOW!!!!!!! When I explained that whatever she gave away, she wouldn't see again or get back, she just replied "I know."

Yet again the simply pure obedience, motives, and faith of a child far surpass that of the rest of us.

Oh, the big doll stayed home for the sole reason that it was only a tad smaller than the girl, LOL. BUT I was able to bring in a kitchen sized bag of other "friends". She should be able to pick a few special ones from that!!