Even though I know both GC Jr. and GCette are both sweet, loving, thoughtful and mature beyond their years, they both nonetheless still surprise us from time to time.  

A couple of weeks ago, one of our neighbors, and a close family friend, returned from a horrible vacation on which their daughter, who is one of GCette's best friends, was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes.  She was hospitalized for most of their trip, and initially it was very scary.  Fortunately they got the care they needed and she was able to enjoy the tail end of their trip.  Back home now they are of course dealing with the daily routine of T1D and progressing through the regimine of doctors appointments and the like.  Upon their return, the little girl wanted to tell GCette first, because of how close they are, and because she wanted to start practicing telling her friends so they understood.

Flash forward to yesterday where we learned our friends would be participating in a local Junior Diabetes Research Foundation walk.  We of course were more than happy to support them (both through walking and a donation) and signed up immediately.  When Mrs. GC explained to GCette that we were joining her friend to walk to raise money for the cause she asked a lot of good questions about why we were doing it and where the money went.  She asked if she could donate and Mrs. GC told her she could if she wanted to, but that we had already made a donation on behalf of our family.  She decided it wasn't enough though and went to her room, grabbed a bunch of money she had been saving, poured it on the kitchen floor and said, "I want to give all of this to help my friend" She then put on her shoes, went outside and began practicing for the walk (she says she's never walked 3 miles before...which she has).

I know I am not perfect (Mrs. GC is).  I know I have probably made more mistakes than I can count.  However, one thing I know I can be eternally proud that I have gotten right, with the overwhelming support and dediction of Mrs. GC is my kids.  They're so good.