Saturday, September 13, 2014

The Day Merryn Saved Josie's Life

Something happened last week that I was initially reluctant to blog about.  However, after some reflection, I realized that this blog is, in many ways, like a scrapbook - a place for me to document memories.  And as upsetting as this story is for me to recall, I will always remember the beautiful display of love, loyalty, and heroism.
I know I owe you a detailed update on our big move and such, but just to get you up to speed, my husband recently accepted another position within his company which required us to relocate to a different state.  We traveled to the new state for a weekend of speed house hunting only to come up dry.  So we found ourselves living in a two-bedroom condo until we can find/build a house here.
 
This new dwelling is lovely, albeit tiny, and it an really start to close in on a family of five.  So most days, as the weather permits, I try to take the children outside for a change of scenery and some fresh air and exercise. 
It's not easy to shuffle all 3 kids out the door by myself.  We don't keep the stroller in the condo because it takes up too much valuable space, so I have to count on my two oldest to walk independently while I lug Lydia in this heavy car seat.  We walk down the hall to the elevator where there is always an intense negotiation over who gets to push the button. 
 
I hold Josie's hand and help her over all the thresholds and down the front steps and she follows me down this sidewalk to the grassy area on the side of the building where we dance, blow bubbles, or kick the ball.
Last Wednesday, we left for our outdoor excursion.  Merryn was riding her new scooter and she took it down the ramp while I helped Josie down the front steps.  Then, I headed towards the grassy area lugging Lydia's carseat in one hand and a bucket of bubbles in the other and I took for granted that the girls were following.  I didn't make it but a few steps when I heard Merryn yell "Josie NO!!!!" and I whirled around to see Merryn lurch off her scooter, grab Josie, and yank her backwards right before she stepped off the sidewalk into the parking lot where the FedEx truck was barreling right at her! 
 
I was overcome with emotion: shock, mom guilt for letting go of Josie's hand, and sheer awe that my little girl, who just turned 3 last month, would have the judgment, instincts, and courage to react in that manner!  Merryn literally saved her sister's life!
 
 And while Merryn's "Mother Hen" tendencies are well documented (click HERE and HERE), I never expected this young child to demonstrate such heroism.  So I did the only thing I could think to do: I hugged her, thanked her, and praised her profusely.  Then I took her to Starbucks and bought her a cake pop!

In Merryn's world, cake pops are the epitome of happiness.  In fact, she'll tell you her dad goes to work "to earn money to buy cake pops". 
 It took me a little while to calm down after that incident.  When I could finally set aside the panic, upset, and guilt, I was left with profound admiration for this little girl.  I already knew Merryn was special.  She's smart, funny, and kind down to her core.  She has an inherently maternal spirit that is far beyond anything I could ever aspire to.  She is a blessing to everyone in our family - especially her sisters.  And now, she is a hero as well.
 

15 comments:

  1. What a sweetheart! So glad your girls are safe. Those are the moments that make your heart stop and you replay over and over. My mama heart is with you!

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  2. Oh! How scary. Thank goodness she was there! Josie has many angels looking after her and one is her little sister. And shes right, those birthday cake pops are awesome.

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  3. Beautiful. You have such great kids!

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  4. Way to go Merryn and way to go mama! Merryn has learned by example...love, care and protect. You are doing a wonderful job with your girls and I love following your story. Hugs and cake pops aplenty to you both!

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  5. Great job Merryn! My daughter, Beth who is also younger than my chromosomally enhanced daughter, is a mother hen too and OFTEN keeps Anaya from harm in parking lots by holding her sisters hand and by running after her if she is too far ahead and literally bear hugging her so she stops. It truly is amazing

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  6. That darling little voice, "I'm a hero." She is an amazing little girl and a true blessing for your family.

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  7. That video of Merryn brought me to happy tears. You have three beautiful amazing daughters!

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  8. Be still my heart...you have the sweetest family! What a hero Merryn is!!!

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  9. Oh Elizabeth, God sent you a guardian angel! He knew just the perfect sister for sweet Josie! Once again I repeat, what a great job you are doing with these girls!!,!!,

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  10. Wow. Tears in my eyes. So happy she is safe!!

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  11. I follow you on Instagram, but I just had to say how blessed you are with all your girls, but especially little Merryn - her Mother Hen instincts are just so wonderful. Hugs!

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  12. First time visiting! Just fell in love with your three girls! beautiful!!!

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  13. Whoa. How did I miss this? Sooo scary..and bless Merryn for her heroism! I love the way Merryn watches out for Josie. I think this toddler "job" of hers is going to make (is making) her into an amazing person. I understand as mommy it taking a while to calm down after the fact. The "what ifs" drive me crazy. Also- your little trip down the hallway and down the elevator with no stroller and no help??? You are my hero. The very thought makes me break out into a cold sweat.

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