Lucky Seven

A cold and fever couldn't suppress the excitement of turning seven. Megan had been watching the calender and counted down to her birthday. Those last few days were tough though because she had fevers off and on for a few days, and the weather was gray and snowy. She went to bed early on the eve of her birthday feeling badly. I woke up early and started the pancake making then I woke up Jim and the sisters. Each of the girls made Megs a card to put on the breakfast tray. I poked my head in the bedroom and whispered "Are you awake?" My answer was a waving "thumbs up" from the top bunk. She waited patiently and was all smiles when we entered singing Happy Birthday.

Since she didn't quite seem 100% we didn't think she was up to the 1 1/2 hour dance class. So she played until my Mom picked up the youngest 3 girls to take them out to celebrate their birthdays and to let them each pick something out at Toys R Us. Megan was beginning to feel bad again but didn't want to miss the trip, so we gave her more medicine and off she went. They were ready to play as soon as they got back. 

Megan got to choose a restaurant for dinner and had picked out CiCi's weeks ago. When we arrived the place was packed. It took awhile but after going through the buffet and standing with our trays we got a table, kindly given to us by a mother and son. There was plenty of opportunity to complain, but I was really proud of the girls who made the best of Megan's choice and didn't. We got home and Megan opened her stack of gifts and they all played before Megan surrendered her tired body to sleep.

It feels to me that Megan is changing rapidly this year. Some of her optimism is gone, there is a little more attitude, and newly sarcasm has crept in. But I also see her maturing and making deliberate decisions, good decisions. Megs is a precious seven year old and such a blessing to our family. I pray that she will hold fast to the tenderness of her heart and flourish.