MY OWN LITTLE SAINT RHEA

In an effort to reduce monthly costs my husband and I decided to pull our 5 year old daughter from daycare. The move has saved us $300 a month. On the days that my children are in school I pick them up and my oldest daughter entertains my 5 year old.. I continue to work while my children are at home which has proven to be a challenge but definietly worth the effort. My mother helps out when she can which allows me to get more work done but the real hero in this story is my eldest daughter Rhea. Without her help none of this would be possible.

Everyday Rhea comes home from school and helps me watch and entertain her younger sister. It may seem like an easy task but I know from personal experience that Delaney is a very 'hands on' experience. She is a great kid but she does not like to be left idol for too long and gets bored without someone to play with (like most kids her age). So Rhea balances her homework time with play time and does it with ease. She is always kind and patient but also makes it clear to Delaney that there are rules and limits to her demands.

All of this comes from Rhea's kind disposition. Even as a baby she busied herself by ensuring the happiness of the other infants. If a soother managed to pop out she would crawl over and pop it back in (sometimes it was more of a shove but the intention was there). As a toddler the sound of a baby crying caused her great concern. She would point in the general direction and say 'baby cry' and start walking towards the wailing, wanting to try to calm them.

Making friends for Rhea has always been easy because she is so loving and accepting of everyone she meets. She does not judge or hesitate, she embraces people as they are and makes extra efforts to make people feel welcome. She always sees the good in her classmates and friends no matter what the situation. I sometimes want to tell her 'not everyone has the best intentions' but I so admire her pure heart I don't want to spoil her.

Rhea has always been able to adapt to any situation. She loved daycare and never fussed, she loves school even more, she joins in extra-curricular activities a without a second thought and she continues to press forward in life without hesitation.

Rhea is a remarkable young woman. Even now I have tears in my eyes when I think about how blessed I am to have such a wonderful daughter. Everyday she inspires me to be more adventurous in my persuits, kinder with my words and patient with others. Thank you Rhea for everything you do not just for your family but for everyone who is fortunate enough to have you in their lives.