Learned Something Today

I like to think I'm a pretty compassionate and empathetic person.  It's important to me that my kids learn this art of humanity.  I consider it an "art" because it's not necessarily something a person is genetically predisposed to, but rather something that is learned by observation and trial and error.

I am a very sensitive person by nature but I know that empathy and compassion are things I learned from my parents.  I'm hoping I can successfully pass this along to my kids.

When we found out about Donovan's genetic disorder and subsequent medical challenges I had a large handful of people tell me that God picked my husband and I to raise Donovan because He felt we were up for the challenge and have what it takes to be good parents to him and to rally for him and to be his champion and voice until he is able to communicate his thoughts and wishes.  I never really thought that I was actually "chosen" I just thought it was just random chance, but I must admit, it does make me feel better on the more challenging days to maybe "think" that I could have actually been "chosen".

This morning, I was pleasantly surprised by a comment my daughter, Norah, made.  She said to me that while trick-or-treating around the neighborhood last evening, she told all the people handing out candy that her little brother has a gluten allergy and then proceeded to choose "treats" that he could safely eat.  She said that she got him a lot of M&Ms and looking in the bag, she did!  But what really struck me as awesome was that she took this task upon herself.  Any other 5 year old child would have been focused on what "treats" they could acquire and never think twice about what is "safe" and "not safe" for their sibling to eat.

The lessons I learned from this were ....

1. I'm doing my job right, my daughter "gets it"!
2. My daughter is gifted with a kind, compassionate and empathetic heart!
3. I can rest assured that Norah will always have Donovan's back.
4. Donovan was truly a gift to us!
5. I wasn't "chosen" for Donovan but Norah was!

My husband sums it up perfectly by his statement below ...

If nothing else, having Donovan as a little brother will serve Norah well later in life. He's (unwittingly) taught her compassion, and empathy, and responsibility, all of which she happily exhibits.

We obviously are doing something right with raising our children.  I hope that in a few years I can proudly say the same thing about Donovan!  My bets are I will as he's already exhibiting signs of compassion and empathy!