[flickr id=”8265585712″ thumbnail=”small” overlay=”true” size=”small” group=”” align=”none”]I remember writing many letters to Santa.  Asking for Cabbage Patch Dolls, Ballerina Barbies, and Star Wars figurines (Princess Leia, please…and ewoks).

Santa ended up on the receiving end of so many of my wishes and hopes.  Many unmet, and many that were.

Not once did I ever ask Santa for something for my brother.

Ever.

And yet…today as I read these words from my middle child, “Can you get my sister a barbie for her”.

My heart is just filled with pride. Joy. Love.

The past couple of months have been difficult.

Behaviorally.

Emotionally.

The end of the year naturally causes chaos, but outside forces have added so much more to our lives that some days I fear one, or all, of us might just break.

And then I see the kindness hidden under layers of quirks.  The love expressed – perhaps with the help of her aide, perhaps all on her own – toward a sister I often have to keep her from abusing.

And for a little while.

Just a few minutes.

There is peace.