Best Friends

Before we had Gracey we were thinking about the idea of having another baby. From the beginning of our marriage, we always thought we would have 4 kids (it's what we both had in our families growing up and it's just what we always pictured ourselves having). Should we have another baby? Could we have another baby? It was during this time that I had one of those overwhelming spiritual experiences that don't come very often (at least for me) and I felt very strongly that we had another little boy coming to our family - I even knew his name - Elijah. Well imagine our surprise when they told us we were having a little girl. Not that we weren’t elated (and terrified) to be having another girl , but what did that mean about our ability to receive spiritual promptings and personal revelation? We must have misunderstood because one thing we knew was that we weren’t having anymore kids. Well fast forward a couple of years and another overwhelming spiritual experience (this time it was Wayne), and somehow we were pregnant with that elusive little boy that we'd been waiting for. Our sixth (and final) baby and we were so happy to have him!

So, here's the thing. After gaining a few years perspective, and after watching our two youngest babies as they've grown, we have come to the conclusion that there's a special bond between them.

Maybe they made a pact in Heaven before they came to join our family.

Maybe, in an act of chivalry, Eli (the "older" brother) let Gracey come first (knowing we might have decided we were done having kids once our anticipated boy came and thus suffer the tragedy of not having her with us).

Maybe they carried that special sibling bond here to earth and some instinctual tie connects them still.

Whatever the reason, they are inseparable.

Eli was devastated when Gracey went off to school.  He would wonder around the house asking "mom, where Gracey go?" and she couldn't wait to get home to play with him.

 

Like an older brother, he loyally protects and defends her and he won't let anyone upset her or will pursue anyone who may have caused her any pain or even inconvenience.

He is unwaveringly devoted to her.  And she thoughtfully watches over him with her sweet and tender nature.

He cares about what she thinks more than anyone else (if Gracey says it's fun, than it's fun - and if Gracey thinks it's dumb, than it's dumb). Even when he was very little we knew we could get him to cooperate if we had Gracey ask him.  

As parents, we are always grateful when our children love and support each other; in fact I think it’s one of the greatest blessings there is (at least it's in the top ten).

I love watching my children enjoy each other’s company and foster a true friendship, and I’m relieved when they display loyalty and they have each other’s back.

But as we watch these two grow we have become especially grateful for the special bond that exists between them and hope they will continue to be the best of friends throughout their lives.

We can only hope that the boy Gracey brings home someday.....If he can make it past her three older sisters and even her older brother, and heaven forbid make it past Wayne!.....We can only hope he can live up to the paramount expectations Eli will surely have set for him.