Your First Tears

I'm taking a break from grading English Composition II term papers to record what I've just witnessed...

We are at school.  You've been coming to classes with me while I teach, since your sisters aren't at home for weeks at a time this summer.  You sit in the back of the class, on a computer, with your headphones on, watching Disney films, primarily.

You came up to me, just now, while I was grading, with tears falling down your cheeks.  I had no idea what was going on or what had happened.  I hadn't heard you fall or anything...

"What's wrong, baby?  Are you okay?" I questioned, ascertaining immediately that something was wrong--you were crying, after all.

"I'm watching this VeggieTales show," you began.  "There's a child from Africa, and she doesn't have anything, and nothing to eat!"  Your big brown eyes were full of tears.  You wiped them as you talked to me.

And it dawned on me at once:  "Oh my.  You're no longer crying over boo-boos.  You're now crying over emotional content."

Oh my, indeed.

I've never seen you cry because of a show's content.  I've seen you laugh--you love humor and understand it!--many, many times.  In fact, one of your favorite shows to watch is Full House, a comedy.

But this is the first time I've watched you cry over a show.

And I am reminded of how quickly you are growing now, right before my eyes, and daily!

I so love you, sissy.  With all of my heart!

Mommy

In Three Short Weeks

In just three short weeks, you will be promoted to the third grade.

THE THIRD GRADE!

You are growing ever so fast, darling one, in every way. Mentally, physically, spiritually, I watch my little girl grow and develop. I see your personality emerging, stronger than ever.

You are brilliant. You watch everything, everybody. You notice things others overlook. You are, like me, a lover of Nature. "Momma, look at those clouds!" I love that about you.

You are so compassionate. You love people, without fear. You hug first, and think (about what harm they have done you) later. To those in your class who have been "not so nice" this year, you love on them, no matter what, give them gifts, without any hesitation. You still ask to have them over at the house.

I pray every day I can be more like you...

You love to read and be dramatic. You do not hesitate to randomly sing songs from movies or the radio. You have watched Fiddler on the Roof more times than I can even count. You know the lyrics to the songs, and have told me you would audition should Pa Bill direct it one day.

You've taken a great liking to your sister's karaoke machine. I love watching you perform. I feel privileged to count myself among your first audience. Yes, I'm most definitely the President of the Psalm Yandell Fan Club!

You repeatedly claim to be shy (though I keep reminding you that you have danced in recitals, with up to 600 people in the audience, since you were three years old!). But I think you're coming out of that. You told me this past weekend that you WILL be performing in next year's Fun Arts competition.

You make me laugh. You're naturally funny, and you LOVE to tell jokes--especially those that have to do with word meaning. You love the language (and I love that you love the language!). "Get it, Momma?" you'll ask after telling a joke. "That's a homophone."

Ha! I love you, kid!

You make me proud. You know it? Your Momma is so proud of you.

I love you for ever and a day, Psalmie.

Love, Mommy.

Today, You Prayed for Pop Pop

Pop Pop had a mild stroke this morning.

He was released to go home, 

So you and I went to visit he and Gran.

While we were there, you and I

Joined hands with them both and prayed.

We prayed for healing and peace.

You put your hand on Pop's forehead

And prayed for him specifically.

It was powerful, sis.  Just powerful.

About a week ago, someone prophesied

Over you--that you would be a prayer warrior.

Today, I saw the prophecy unfolding before my eyes.

(I just wanted you to know.)