aunt tommie

You know how there are some people who can just get through to us when no one else can. I think that Aunt Tommie is that person for Ethan. She can get him to do things that no one else can. Last year, we had been trying to get Ethan to learn to ride his big boy bicycle instead of his tricycle. He just was not wanting to do it. Well, while we were in China getting Jon Jon, Aunt Tommie got Ethan to ride his bicycle. He rode countless hours on the big bike as Aunt Tommie happily walked along beside him. She was able to get him to conquer his fear of the big bike and just try.
Last week, we were at Aunt Tommie’s house. Joey and Jon Jon were in the pool. Jon Jon was of course all over the place in the pool. He really loves the water! Ethan on the other hand is so much like me when it comes to the water. We fear it! As I watch Ethan hang on to the side or sit on the steps when we go to a pool, I totally understand him. I feel that same fear that I felt as a kid. I understand the thoughts of going under water and not coming back up. I want him to learn to swim. However, I also know what it is like to be so scared. Therefore, I do not force him. I know that I eventually learned to swim and now somewhat enjoy being in the pool sometimes. In the pool as Jon Jon was having fun, Ethan was scared, holding on to the ladder. We all tried to get him to float around the pool with us holding him. He was not having any of it! Aunt Tommie began talking to him. She eventually got him to let her walk around holding him in the pool. She did not even have on her swimsuit. She was in her regular clothes. She did not mind. She just got right in because Ethan was willing to float around with her. For the next hour, the two of them just floated around the pool. Ethan relaxed a little more as the minutes passed by. He eventually was only holding on to her pinky as they floated around together. (This was enormous since he was pretty much wrapped around her with his hands and feet when they began their time in the water.) I am amazed by how he connects with her. Through her simple words and sweet spirit, she was able to help him put his fears aside for a little while and enjoy his time in the water. I am so thankful God has placed such a caring woman in my life. She loves my boys so very much. I am so grateful!