Tonight as Olivia, JT and I were burning boxes and cleaning up the garbage in the forest. I had Olivia and JT load a large bin full of papers and such items that had blown into our forest over the winter. The only way they could carry it was to each take a handle. It was touching to see them each choose a side and begin the walk to the fire pit, singing the song "What's gonna work? Team work". About ten feet from the pit Olivia's flip flop fell off, she kindly let JT know what had happened. What happened next is what the ultimate virtual pat on the back to a parent.
Without words JT set his side down, located her flip flop in the tall thistles and weeds. While Olivia stood on one foot he gently placed it back on her tender foot. Olivia thanked him for his act of kindness and they proceeded to finish the task at hand. I don't think either of them saw me admiring their tender moment, but I was deeply touched. I reached for my camera but my battery was dead so I couldn't capture the moment digitally. As I lay here in bed almost asleep, I felt I had to write this down. I am thankful for this tender moment my two youngest children shared with me tonight.
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