Beth

I was in charge of getting Beth ready and to the bus stop this morning.  That is usually Kevin's job.  He has much more will power when it comes to getting out of bed and let's face it I haven't had a normal amount of energy since '99.  I made her cinnamon toast and she realized that if she bit into it she'd ruin the chocolate lip gloss on her lips so I ran up to get the tube to refresh her lip gloss and told her and Andrew to start walking out to the bus.  As soon as I got downstairs I saw the bus coming ran to the door, saw her running to the bus and saw her plate of toast with two tiny bites taken out of it on the porch.  She was on the bus before I could get her toast to her.  I didn't want her to start the day without breakfast she leaves at 8:40 a.m.  and doesn't eat lunch until 12:40 p.m.  I got in the car with her toast, two packs of fruit snacks, and a glass of water (half of which spilled on my pants on the way there) and quickly made my way to the school so she could eat before going in to class.  I parked, saw her in line and made my way toward her, the kids know me so I heard someone say, "Beth forgot breakfast".  When I got right up to her I could tell that her eyelashes were wet.  Even closer I could tell there was a gentle sob.  I thought this was because she was going to have to start the day without sustenance.  But she pulled me close and whispered in a barely audible voice, "I didn't get hugs and kisses".  Words can't describe what this did to my heart and soul.  All I know is she is teaching me what really matters.  She let me hold her tight and kiss her cheeks and forehead.  Oh how I love this precious girl that Heavenly Father has sent to me.  I feel so inadequate to raise her and prepare her for the world ahead but for today, I can give her hugs and kisses.