People Person

 Rather than the three or four Christmas concerts we’ve attended the past several years, this year we only had one. And while Malia hated some of the songs they sang (the alto part of “Carol of the Bells” is so boring!), there were some she really enjoyed (a medley of songs from “The Muppet Christmas Carol,” one of our favorite Christmas movies). And she loved that Daniel was able to drive down to attend her concert. As the youngest child, she doesn’t have siblings that attend every concert like the boys did. And she feels that loss. So, the fact that Daniel took the time to come down meant a lot. His finals schedule worked out just right this time around and I’m so grateful he made attending the concert a priority. And I know Malia appreciates it too. She knows that her brothers have busy lives as they try to juggle school, work, church responsibilities, friends, family, and in Daniel’s case, a new wife, but she definitely misses them.

While I know many youngest children who really enjoy having the run of the roost, Malia doesn’t enjoy being the only child left at home. She has always been a people person. Even as a baby she loved being surrounded by people and in those early years, those people were her brothers. They come around when they can and she understands that they can’t always be here, but when they can, it is a highlight for her.