teach me to be brave

A few months ago, Chrissy (from HeartBox Studio) sent me a print with 7 butterflies and the text “teach me to be brave”. The first thing I really noticed was how six butterflies were separated from the last which was far in the distance. It reminded me so much of our family. I’ve thought about the words “teach me to be brave” so many times since she sent it to me. I’ve thought about it for my youngest daughter – there are so many things in her future that will require bravery on her part. I want to teach her to be brave.

Recently, I look at it and think about it more for me. I need some bravery. I’m starting to gather and starting to pack.

I am also starting to think about how hard it will be to board a plane with only my oldest two kids. I’m pretty sure the longest I’ve ever been away from any of my kids has been 3 days. I will be gone from my 4 year old son and FireCracker for 15 days. They are both so anxious to get me on a plane to get their sister they don’t even blink when I say I’ll be gone for a long time. I know it will hit them a few days after we’re gone. Our family and friends are going to spoil them like crazy. They will be well cared for and well loved.

Ah, but my heart both longs to get on that plane to meet my daughter and it breaks at the thought of being so far from her big sister and big brother.

Teach me to be brave.

I’m going to miss her.

I’m going to miss him.

I’ve been collecting little gifts for the past year (thanks Angie for the idea!). Just small things like what you find in the Target $1.00 bins. They’ve got a basket full of daily presents from mom – just a little something to help pass each day. The closer to the bottom of the basket, the closer they get to meeting us at the airport.