Little Man with A big Heart

I have posted before about, and anyone close to Reiss knows, that if you want his affection and love just act completley uninterested in him.... Unless you are Granny of course!

He has to be bribed to smile in most photos, that I take with him anyway. (Amber was like this as a little one too:)  And it is always  my biggest goal to get him to love on me! Unfortunately, on most days it goes a little like this.......

Me: Reiss, I am so happy to see you, give me a love

Reiss: NO! Dont sit by me....

(playing hard to get)

ME: Give me a Kiss!

Reiss: WHACK!!!

But he giggled and that made me happy!!!

I was a lucky Auntie and got to spend the day with Reiss in clinic... When I showed up, he of course acted like he really wasn't that excited about my being there... But he was happy to share his cheese in a can and crackers with me and jerky too.... Although he was insistent, "Don't eat all the jerky, because we need to eat it too", apparently I was being a pig!

When the nurses came in to give Reiss his shot (Chemo in his quad) I walked away, partially because it breaks my heart to see his little eyes swell with tears, but also to give the nurses space... Reiss started crying at the anticipation of the shot.... But as they gave hime the shot, he cried only for a brief second, and then I heard his sweet little voice say, "where did Micah go?" It melted my heart, I responded and let him know that I was still there... I went and kneeled in from of him, Mommy was rubbing his leg with ice and he had huge alligator tears still on his cheeks... He said, "Where did you go? I responded by telling him I did't like to see him get shots because it makes me sad.... and he said "but you can watch me get my shot, you can watch it."He really did want me there!

We played trucks, and derby and ate more cheese and crackers... When I got up to go to the bathroom, I again heard his little voice asking where I went... I know that this seems so silly, but this little man with a big heart, melted mine today... It really reminded me about the importance of pure, true, real unconditional LOVE.

This was not all that today reminded me of.... But I left the hospital with overwhelming gratitude for the people I have in my life. I am surrounded by strength, I am surrounded by people to inspire me, and I am part of the most incredible circle of Love. Amber is a viking woman, I always am so impressed by her strength, I am honored to have a sister like her. My parents are incredible, my brothers are pure joy and my sister Erin is compassionate and driven!

This day, Reiss really touched my heart, but I gained a much needed reminder of how lucky I am to be loved, to be part of the family I am, and even though sometimes I might not realize, someone might need me, just to be there, like little Reiss wanted today! ....