A Little Perspective

So, my sister-in-law stopped by yesterday to drop off her kids for me to watch. In an effort to process the family drama I find myself locked into, my SIL and I were having a conversation about the emotions of my parents' move. It was actually a half-joking, light-hearted conversation, because my SIL is awesome and always makes me smile. Her quiet 6-year old son and not-so-quiet 4-year old daughter were at the table with us. Here is how it went:

Me, trying to effect an air of Anne of Green Gables Drama: You know, I was fine until Monday, but that day just threw me into The Depths of Despair for some reason. It's been a long week.

SIL: Yes, but it will get better.

Me to 6-year old: L, have you ever been to The Depths of Despair?

6-year old: No Aunt Kellie.

Me: That's good. I hope you never go there.

4-year old, brightly and excitedly: Aunt Kellie, I've been to The Depths of Despair!! It was at Sea World and we saw animals there! It was great!


Fast forward to dinner.

6-year old, with an air of wisdom and superiority over his little sister: Aunt Kellie, we never went to The Depths of Despair. We just saw Shamu.

4-year old, apologetically: Yes we did Aunt Kellie. There were animals there.

Fast forward to this morning:

SIL, to 4-year old: So O, I heard you've been to The Depths of Despair.

4-year old, slightly sleepy and snuggled deeply into my lap: MmHmm. I saw hippos there. Aunt Kellie, did you see hippos when you went to the Depths of Despair? I like hippos.


I hope I will always remember to look for the hippos in The Depths of Despair.