My sweet little granddaughter Sadie became a big sister to Mason yesterday at the ripe old age of 14 months. Sadie has been the only grandchild on our side of the family, and the only girl in our immediate family. Needless to say, she has been the center of attention, and the cause of untold joy. With the arrival of her brother, her world has been a little changed, and she is feeling out her place in this newly changed and a little bit uncertain reality. Yesterday was perhaps the most challenging day she has faced in her short little life, and she was, justifiably I think, somewhat out of sorts about it.

After spending the night with us, she awoke her usual happy self this morning. Several hours later though, reality sank in and she had a few doubts. She crawled onto my chest and cuddled, a most un-Sadie like gesture. She whined a little bit, venting her unhappiness, and then she sadly “talked” her baby talk in a mournful tone as I gave her a backrub. She lay and listened as I reassured her. I told her that although her world was different, it was going to be wonderful still, and that she was just as loved as she always has been, and now there is someone else to love her as well, and someone else for her to love. I explained that God himself had chosen her for just this job, being Mason’s big sister, and that he and his angels will surely help her be a good one. She listened while I told her how someday Mason will be her friend and her champion, someone who will share happy times and sad. She crawled off and grabbed her blanket, covering her head to play her favorite game, “Where’s Sadie?” As everyone knows, you can’t see a baby covered with their favorite blanket, and you are very upset that they are gone. When they “come back” of course you are so happy to see them as you exclaim with joy “There she is!”

Sadie was not convinced by our conversation, but she was comforted and reassured. She decided to try again today to make things better, after she “went away” and found that she was really missed and someone was very happy she came back.

As she napped, I thought about our time, and I decided there was a great deal to learn from a fourteen month old baby. When she had troubles and woes, she went to a person she loved and trusted, someone who would let her whine a little to vent, listen to her problems, comfort her, and try to give reassurance, love, and help. Someone she could trust to give her what she needed.  She didn’t wait around and pout or cry, she took action. She decided on her course of action and then she asked for what she needed. And of course, it sure makes you feel good when someone misses you, and is overjoyed that you decided to come home and give this tough old world another chance.

Maybe the next time life throws me a challenge I am not too sure what to do about, I’ll try out what she taught me. I’ll go find someone who cares,tell them my troubles and let them know how much I could use some love and hugs.