A brother's gift

Before we left MI, Zackary and Sam built a night stand together.  Zack had been talking about it and had drawn plans for it months before.  Upon completion, it became his most prized possession and really the first thing he actually owned and didn't need to share.  With younger siblings around helping you learn those all important lessons of, sharing and 'anything is fixable', it can be hard to feel your way to independence and this was his first little taste.  It was a kind of 'right of passage' experience for him that was fun to be a part of. _His_  night stand has been very important to him ever since.  

Last fall (2007) Zack started talking with Sam about making Jacob a night stand for Christmas. For one reason or another fifty, it was one of those things that we just didn't make time for or get around to and although Zack handled it well we knew he was so disappointed.  He was able to help himself feel better by changing it to a birthday present.  No problem, 6 months ought to be enough time to get most anything done!  Well again, for one reason or another fifty, here it was the day before Jake's birthday and no night stand, or even the beginnings of one.  There had been plenty of talk but unfortunately talk doesn't accomplish anything we have found (but we still keep testing the notion) and when you are 7 you can't exactly ask to borrow the car and get it done yourself.  

Wednesday morning as we are sitting down to breakfast Zackary comes to whisper in my ear, "Mom, since I didn't get to make Jacob a night stand I want to give him mine for his birthday."  I can not explain the absolute joy that filled my soul hearing those precious words.  We set up a painting station in the garage and he set to work creating a masterpiece for his brother.  What fun it is to experience these small moments that are truly enormous.  I am so lucky to have such wonderful spirits around me.  Thank you Bugawugga for all you are :o)