Two Posts, Two Posts In One!

"Ian The Great"

Let me begin this post by telling you about my nephew, Ian, Brad and Erica's son (Jon's brother and sister in law). Ian is quite a remarkable young man. He is a year younger than Anna, born just one day before her first birthday. This extremely intelligent boy has a great sense of humor, is loving, and wise beyond his years. Ian also battles the effects of Tourette's Syndrome, day in and day out. Even with this cross to bear, Ian has displayed extreme patience with his disorder and has been taught well by his parents how to deal with others who are not so understanding. For example, I've witnessed several occasions where Ian has explained to children and adults as well, that he has a neurological disorder called Tourette's Syndrome and that he can't do anything to stop his tics. In fact, my own children have had questions about certain tics that he has. I'm sure he has his moments when he gets frustrated with his disorder, but I personally feel like he does an amazing job of living with it. Although I would rather Ian not have to deal with Tourette's Syndrome at all, one of the blessings has been that it has taught my children and me about compassion and understanding.

"Sisters Will Be Sisters"

Jon and I would frequently take the kids for some one-on-one time with either of us. I haven't been able to do too much of this since Jon has been gone, but I've made it a priority before school starts. Last Saturday it was Anna's turn, Ella's day was Friday and Brennan is patiently waiting for his date. Ella was a trooper as we shopped for school clothes. Unlike me, she loves trying on clothes and that seemed to be the high point for her. At her request, we had a late lunch at Pearl Dynasty, a Chinese restaurant that Jon and I happened upon one late night, after seeing Pat Green at the rodeo. The sweet waiter at Pearl Dynasty, obviously thought Ella was adorable, which she is, and would wink at her occasionally. She didn't say anything to me about it, but she produced a smile a shy smile each time he winked.

The next morning I overheard this conversation...

E: Anna, you know, not the guy who sat us down, but the guy who brought us food at Pearl Dynasty? He winked a lot at me. I think he thought I was cute.

A: (pauses to think of a comeback worthy of her sassiness) It was probably just a tic.

Heaven forbid, as sisters, that we accidently lift each other up in our moments of feeling good about ourselves. Instead, we have to assure each other that instead of it being that we're so cute, it's got to be that there's something wrong with the guy. I'm a tad shocked at how my daughters are so young and have already learned this...how exactly?