Penny

I hope you enjoy, and find meaningful, this guest post, written by my sister, Sharon. I’m the oldest and she comes next in the lineup of nine children Mom and Dad gave to the world. As you’ll see, the little girl she writes about is an awesome gift who landed in just the right family. Bless you for reading.

A Penny For Your Thoughts

By Sharon Wible

It is my privilege, once in a while, to take my four- year- old granddaughter for a walk. Penelope Rose, nicknamed Penny, is the adopted Down syndrome child of my eldest daughter Kari, and her husband, Robert. She enjoys walking after school because speech lessons and teacher’s orders can get burdensome. We do not venture far.

She needs a little help with descending the two steps of her front porch, as the steps are large. She smiles, knowing what’s ahead, and pauses to wait for her friend, Shadow. When Shadow is spotted, Penny begins to run.  It’s a joy to see who will be the fastest but they always arrive at their destination at the same time. Penny and Shadow have the same bouncy ponytail and Penny has such fun watching them fly in the wind.

We must run to the daisies because the big dog, black and anxious, barks very loudly. When the daisies are reached, Penny bends down for a sniff at the brightly colored garden.

The large tree near the fence is highly anticipated. The crunchy leaves are very loud under tiny sneakers. Shadow always gets lost under the tree so it is necessary to go back and find her where the flowers grow. When we arrive at the light pole we both must touch it or the walk will not continue. Shadow must touch the pole as well; Penny sees to it.

Halfway through our journey there is the “hill” to climb.  Another large tree has buckled the sidewalk and a two- inch rise in the cement poses quite a challenge for Penny.  She recognizes the spot and begins her trudge up the mound while groans and puffs of air escape her lips. My first reaction is to “help”. I want to lift her over the hill but a hymn invades my mind, ‘Leaning on the Everlasting Arms’. I decide not to assist but watch instead. She is not at all frustrated but seems to enjoy the hard work. Shadow, of course, drags along at Penny’s feet. 

“O how sweet to walk in this pilgrim way. . .”  I sing as Penny doggedly takes the hill.

Penny descends with a very self satisfied smile but with a stroke of her hand and a loud “Eh” orders me to leave. I turn and she takes off like a shot crossing the big street all by herself.  Never far behind, I swoop in, catch her with one arm at her waist and run to the other side.  She is not at all surprised as I place her down on the other side.  She merrily continues along the path.

“What have I to dread, what have I to fear . . .”  I continue.   (She has blessed peace with her Lord so near).

We arrive at our next challenge, the sawed-off tree stump. Penny is delighted. She bends down and places her tiny hands on the side of the three- inch base and climbs to the “top” for the victory dance.

“O how bright the path grows from day to day . . . ” the hymn continues. 

Penny can see that Shadow enjoys the dance as well. A run through the green grass takes us to her own yard.

“What a fellowship, what a joy divine,” comes easily to mind. We are tired and thirsty. The Everlasting Arms carry us home where Penny, the Shadow, and I have some milk and cookies.

And now you also have Penny in your thoughts and, like me, a bit of happiness for your soul.

Image: freedigitalphotos.com