“There are many Beths in the world, shy and quiet, sitting in corners till needed, and living for others so cheerfully that no one sees the sacrifices till the little cricket on the hearth stops chirping, and the sweet, sunshiny presence vanishes, leaving silence and shadow behind.”
― Louisa May Alcott, Little Women

I would read Little Women when I was growing up and I always wished I had a sister. I would alternate between wanting to be Jo and wanting to be Beth. I eventually decided that I would be Jo because she didn’t struggle as much with pleasing people, like Beth did, and I wished that I could worry less about making everyone happy.

I never had a sister. The closest I had was my best friend, Jen. She is a stunning red head who is loyal and fierce.

Seeing Julia and Mary Alice together, I’m sure that having a sister would have been magical.

Watching Julia through this process has been precious to me. Ever so often she says the most beautiful things, letting me know she sees glimpses into what motherhood is like. She’ll comment on how many times I’m interrupted or she’ll ask if I’m tired. It spurs me on to try to do everything with joy, since I know how closely she is watching.

I’m so thankful for another summer with my little ones. One day, I’ll understand why time speeds up at my favorite parts.