Kids and Hope and The Church

Note: The blog below on "Life is Good" inspired this story from my former Senior Warden.

Olivia has been going through a rough period lately. She did six half days of camp at a new school she will be starting in September. It has been a very tough transition for both her and us. The change has definitely begun to impact her sleep and occasionally her disposition.

As part of Olivia's bedtime ritual, Kim was having a conversation with her before a final hug and kiss good night. The conversation went something like this:

Olivia: "Mommy, I want to go to Stanley School forever." (Stanley is her old school)

Mommy: "I know, Honey, but nothing lasts forever. You graduated to the big-girl school and then, eventually, you'll graduate to the next school"

Olivia: "I want Mrs. Wilson to be my teacher forever."

Mommy: "Even if you were to stay at Stanley, Honey, you wouldn't have Mrs. Wilson again. You would have a new teacher. You won't have the same teacher forever. Nothing is forever."

Olivia: "I know something that's forever."

Mommy: "What's that, Poodle?" (Poodle is one of O's nicknames)

Olivia: "Church!"

In the midst of all the pain, even she knows... even she knows.