A Good Cry with a Good Friend...

I have plenty of Christmas stories to share, but this story is about my sweet Carlie tonight.

One of Carlie's sweetest, dearest friends is spending the night tonight and they haven't been together in quite a long time. When she found out Caroline was coming, she was literally screaming and running around in circles, and has been giddy all evening. At dinner, they were talking about how long they've known each other, and when I told them that they were in their mommies tummies together and that they were in church nursery together, they couldn't believe it (even though they've been told that before!) They were so happy and said "We've known each other our whole lives!!" We wish they saw each other more than they get to, but I love watching how their friendship literally picks up right where they left off, and the hugs never stop comin'!

(This picture is from their last sleepover and shows how much they look alike!)

So, on the way home from dinner tonight, Chase was mentioned by someone, although I don't remember exactly how. This is not unusual for us, and Chase is actually a part of practically every conversation we have in our family. He is drawn in every picture, and the smallest of things reminds us of him. So, he is literally talked about constantly by all five of us.

But, of course, Caroline isn't here to know how common that is, so I think the mention of his name made her start thinking about it. From the back seat I heard her say "Carlie, I'm so sorry your baby Chase died." Then, she said "Mrs. Chelsea, when your baby died, we had a gift for him. We had balloons and made cards for you." I told her how much that meant to us to have their family take care of us, and to pray for us every day (she and her sisters said the sweetest prayers for our family every single day), and I told her how it made us feel so much better. Then, she said "I'm so sorry your baby died." My eyes filled with tears at her absolute sweetness.

Then, all of a sudden, Carlie just started bawling. I mean, the from-the-gut kind of crying, and she said "I miss Chase!!". I think it surprised all of us, and it broke my mommy heart. She has cried plenty of sweet little tears since we lost Chase, but she has not cried like that since the first day she found out the news.

She did this for a while, as her sweet precious five year old friend comforted her in the back seat. I couldn't hear all that they were saying, but they talked for quite a while and I kept hearing Caroline say "I'm so sorry Carlie."

Oh how precious that moment was.

I told Mark that it reminds me of how easily I show my full emotions when I'm with good friends who I know I'm safe with. And, who I know understand me so well. On a five year old level, that's what we were watching happen. Carlie was with someone who understood her and was willing to sit and listen to her. And, I'm so thankful that God provides that kind of friendship even for children.

Of course, the sad moment passed, as they moved on to what dress-up they were going to wear when they got home, and who was going to sleep where tonight.

But, I savored the moment even after we got home, as I thanked God for the little ways He reminds us that although we are sad...sometimes with gut wrenching sobs...He still provides comfort for us in the sweetest of ways.

My sweet Carlie, you have such a huge sweet heart, and I know you miss Chase every single moment. You would have been such a wonderful big sister to your baby brother, and that part hurts my heart so incredibly much. But, I know that you also honor him in such a special way, as you draw pictures of him every day, as you pray about him every day, and as you talk about him as if he was always part of our family. I cherish each time I hear you speak his name, and I pray that God continues to define your faith and your loving heart even more clearly through your brother's life. We love you!

And, we love our sweet Caroline too! :) Here they are in their fashion show tonight...

And, here they are at the sweet age of three! What cuties...