After we said goodbye, I noticed that Emma was very moody.
Then it was dinnertime and her moodiness spilled over into our meal. She didn't want to eat or drink, and didn't want the rest of us to look at her or talk to her.
I started to wonder if it was something more than just having a bad attitude because this was pretty out of character for our usually cheerful Emma.
So I quietly asked her if she could tell me what was wrong...does her tummy hurt, or does she just not like the food, or was there something else?
She was quiet for a long time looking down at her plate, and then she looked up at Markus and me with eyes full of tears and said, "I'm just really sad today because I miss Grandma Esther so much."
My eyes filled up with tears too (I think even Markus got a bit misty-eyed) and she came onto my lap and we both cried a little and talked about how wonderful our family in Florida is and how thankful we are for them. Then we decided to do something fun.
She helped me mix up waffles (she's an expert egg cracker, and according to her it's because Grandma Esther taught her!) and then we set up a picnic on the floor of the living room. The kids and I played checkers (sweet Levi let Emma win...out of sympathy I assume...) while Markus cooked the waffles on a little table next to us, and then we ate while we went through our Advent devotional, which is something we've never done before but are excited to try this year.
Then it was time for bed.
And Emma went to bed with a big smile on her face.
Tonight I am so thankful for Markus and our little girl and sweet boy. I am so thankful that even though we've had to say countless goodbyes to family and dear friends all over the world, we've never had to say those painful goodbyes to each other.
And I'm thankful that because of Jesus Christ, we have the promise of eternity together with our Heavenly Father.
-Sarah-
P.S. Just so I don't forget, Emma has the cutest way of saying the word, "restaurant." She pronounces it like "astronaut" with "rest" at the beginning so it becomes "rest-ronaunt." I love it and refuse to correct her and will cry the day she starts pronouncing it properly!
8 comments:
Oh that's so sweet yet heartbreaking! I think you handled it perfectly though. :)
Precious children...doesn't your heart hurt for your children like nothing else you've ever experienced?
One day we will ALL be together...thank you Jesus for what you did to make that our future reality!
We love the Rosviks....the Ballards
I like this blogg:)
I feel like i just spent an hour sitting and catching up with you - since it has been so long since i have been able to check out your blog, i was behind by several (7!) posts, so i thoroughly enjoyed spending some time with you and your precious family tonight. just wish it could have been in person... anyway, LOVE the bangs - looking great! What does M think??? And your story about the mice made me think of one of our many adventures with mice/rats here - our helper told us we shouldn't kill them cuz that would offend them, and then their relatives would all come to get revenge. Hmmm. Don't know about you, but i plan to seriously offend any and all rats/mice that venture into my space. Vengeful relatives or no. :)
Not quite sure why I am misty-eyed now, because I empathise with Emma, because I miss my grandma or because you, Sarah, are just really good at writing....
Awwww - you are all so precious!!!
{{{hugs}}}
Så bra pianoveggen ble =)
this made me cry too!
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