10:11

Hannah came out of her room tonight (9:45ish) and was sobbing. I quickly went to see what was wrong. Ok, I need to back track. Last week was her piano recital and her teacher encouraged all of us families to participate in a donation for a women and children's shelter. Of course, I didn't prepare to take anything until the night before. I was scrambling to find things we might donate. Fortunately I had some crayons, folders, binders (all needed) that I bought last year before school started. I quickly grabbed those. The foundation also needed slightly used children's books and stuffed animals. Well.....I looked through the children's books and took 5 that I didn't think would be missed, and one little stuffed bear that hadn't been played with in months. The problem is, I didn't ask Hannah and I really should have. (lesson learned) She was sobbing about one of those books she saw me give away, saying it was her most special book ever and helped her to not have bad dreams. We hadn't read that book in a year I swear! Then she proclaimed that the bear I gave was really special to her too. Bah! think quick Melissa, think quick. "But sweetheart, those things went to children who have nothing. Doesn't that make you so happy to give someone something who has nothing when you have so much?" It didn't work. She cried even harder and asked me if I would give her away too? What??? No! No! Ok, so I need to make sure never to do this again. Always include my children in deciding what they will donate. I cradled Hannah for sometime. Told her many things I absolutely love about her. Told her what a special girl she is and most importantly, promised I would NEVER take any of her books, toys, stuffed animals without talking with her first. She is now sound asleep. Phew!