My hands reached into Lily’s bouncer one morning when she was months old (I can’t remember how many) and I found soggy cereal. Not the soft, wean-baby-from-the-bottle kind.
Froot Loops.
The offender was our adorable Abby Kate, who thought her sister looked hungry.
A Facebook post, not long after the Froot Loops fiasco, captures a 10-month-old Lily attempting the stairs to wake Abby Kate from her nap.
I love these stories.
They are defining moments in my daughters’ journey as sisters and as friends.
Earlier this month I added another narrative.
I am grateful every day for the way they care for each other.
(This content was originally posted to Instagram on May 12, 2020 for the hope*writers “Reimagine” 2020 writing challenge. The prompt word was “reach.”)
Pop-tarts are shelved at the highest point in our pantry.
It’s not with any particular purpose; it’s where we store our breakfast foods, including cereal and oatmeal.
I have said many (many!) times it is time for me to re-organize. My daughters, at ages 8 and 11, are capable of toasting a Pop-tart or pouring cereal should my husband and I sleep in on a Saturday.
If they can reach them.
I was in the bed last week, sick and sleeping, when I vaguely heard a little voice.
“Sissy, can you help me?” asked my 8-year-old, Lily.
I dozed off.
At bedtime, many hours later, my 11-year-old, Abby Kate, announced she could reach the high shelf in the pantry.
“You can?” I responded.
“Yes,” she said. “I had to get the chocolate Pop-tarts for Lily because she couldn’t reach them.”
My daughters are pals. They play together and take care of each other well.
But Lily demonstrates a competitive edge, even (and maybe especially) towards her big sister.
“Littler than” translates “lesser than” in her view, always looking up to Abby Kate.
This time she was also looking up towards a Pop-tart. She decided it was worth having, so help was worth having, too.
Even if it came from big sis.
I reflected on the moment and considered how often I pass up or miss out on things I want because I’m too timid to ask for help.
Sometimes we’ve got to reach.
For the things we want.
And for the people who can help us get them.
Food for thought.
Maybe with a side of Pop-tart.
“Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their efforts. For if either falls, his companion can lift him up…”
(Ecclesiastes 4:9-10)
