Ode to Monkeykins*

Children. Specifically my niece and nephews near me here in Alaska are full of surprises. And love. Little Miss Monkeykins made my week and probably month today.

I was feeling sorry for myself again and very tired as well. As we pulled up into the driveway of my house after our trip into Anchorage, Monkeykins said to me "Aunt Tawnya, Can I have a hug?" Oh you bet you can. And you won't ever know how much I needed it back. And if that wasn't enough she followed up with a very sincere "I love you, Aunt Tawnya!" and reminded her big brother, Mater, to "Say goodnight to Aunt Tawnya!"

My mind reels at how this four year old girl knew how and when to reach out with a simple gesture and kind words at the perfect time. I don't know that she really knew that I needed this gesture or if she is just a genuinely loving child at heart. I think it was probably both.

I don't have children of my own but I have come to know from observation and my own childhood that children are sensitive creatures and we cannot underestimate how what is going on around them affects them and what they are internalizing.

Somehow, someway this baby girl knew I needed her today more than ever. And she delivered. Ever so simply. Ever so sweetly. Never to be forgotten.

I love you, too, Monkeykins. And I love your parents for raising their children in Jehovah's ways. Today proves that it is working.

I think I just found my new favorite niece :)

*For protecting privacy I have used my nicknames for the kiddos.