I have goals as a mom.  I’m sure you do too.

I hope to help my children get enough sleep, provide them with healthy food choices and surround them with love.  There are never enough hugs and kisses if you want my opinion.

It is also my intention to raise independent, respectful children – I want the door opening, the ‘yes, sirs’ and ‘yes ma’ams’  and the ‘pleases’ and ‘thank yous’ to be a small mental map that guides them into proper decision making.  I hope they treat others they way they want to be treated.  I hope Jeff and I instill strong work ethics, a desire to save money and a willingness to help those who need it most.

I also want one more thing.

I want them to be best friends.  Is that too much to ask?

Right now, he worships her.  And she adores him.  He calls her ‘Damey’ and she is quick to answer with a ‘Yes, Buddy’.  She reads to him. She paints his toenails (shhhh…don’t tell!) She lets him snuggle with her when he is scared of his shadow.

He makes her giggle.  He toughens her up by tackling her. He loves to hold her hand.

My brother and I are not close.  I adore him.  But we are different. Very, very, are-you-sure-one-of-you-isn’t-adopted-different.

I don’t want that for them.  I want him to protect her when she gets her heart broken at 17.  I want her to cheer for his games and be proud of her ‘little’ brother.  I want them to share late night calls riddled with jokes and advice.

I watch them now and can’t imagine it any other way. 

A mother’s wish.