3 Reasons Why I am Thankful for the Joy in My Sister’s Eyes

I thank God for the joy in my sister’s eyes. My sister and my niece have had a pretty tough year. I can only imagine how hard it has been for my sister without having a steady support system nearby. I know that she misses my niece when she’s not in Georgia without us — I hear it in her voice. Still, I know her heart is more peaceful and her eyes reveal that joy is replacing some of her anxiety. My sister’s eyes tell me despite any hardship, life is on an upswing.

The Joy in My Sister’s Eyes Means She is More Relaxed

My sister, like some of my kids, is obsessed with Chick-fi-A. So practically every morning after we drop my niece off at school, she unapologetically disrupted my schedule for a chicken biscuit. Yesterday, we played music and danced during our school drop-off and Chick-fil-A routine. Right about the time I spotted the twinkle in her eye, she told me she had not had that much fun in a long while.

The Joy in My Sister’s Eyes Means She is Taking Better Care of Herself

By default, mothers neglect themselves for their child a child. Everyone tells you to take care of yourself, but the truth is, it’s not easy. My niece spending her 8th-grade year with me allows my sister to focus on herself. She’s able to give her mind, body, and soul the long-needed attention.

The Joy in My Sister’s Eyes Means She Feels Her Daughter is Safe

I’ve said it before, I am saying it now, and will probably say it again — my sister and my niece have been through some pretty tough challenges and only they have a right to tell their stories. But, I can tell you the obvious — if a mother fears for her child’s safety, she will turn into a rabid dog to protect her. Now that my sister is not worried about my sweet niece’s safety, she is able to relax and be herself.

I admire my baby sister’s strength. She has had more endurance than the Energizer Bunny. There is a cost to continually fighting. It wears you down and it takes part of you with it. I thank God for the joy in my sister’s eyes because it means that she’s in a constant fight which means she’s able to experience the small things in life that matters and joy live in those small packages.