A Rose Is A Rose

There are certain people I think of when I need to remind myself that not all of humanity is comprised of bottom-feeding scumpuppies. I have an entire mental library of good souls. Each one is unique and perfect in their own ways. Five years ago one of these bastions of goodness was bestowed on our family. Emma Rose is the kind of kid who shocks me with her intensity of wit and reassures me that the future of the family is securely fastened to a star-bound messenger.

If you haven't met her yet, you should. She's an experience gift wrapped as a small brilliant child. She chews the scenery and spits out a stage for herself. And God help you if you divert your attention for even a moment. You'll miss something, guaranteed.

Emma has a knack for getting her picture or quote in the local newspaper. In fact, one day she turned to her mom and said "I would like to be in the paper again." The next week, somehow, she was. I think it was her fourth go. She manages to be in just the right place at the right time when the paparazzi strike in order to keep her public abreast of the goings on of Emma Rose.

She has a tight bond with each of her parents in a way that works for them. When her mom takes Emma to the library each week, they make sure to choose a "Daddy book" that is usually about a kid and their parent/grandparent. Only my brother is allowed to read it to her. When she was super teeny, he and Emma would have Daddy/Daughter days when Matt would take her to the coast, or out to breakfast just them. Matt and Janel both make sure their time with the kids counts. Emma, fortunately, makes for a fun adventure partner and storyteller when the adventure comes to an end.

Above all, she knows her mind, and if you stand still long enough, so will you. Especially if you've done her wrong, in her critical estimation. She has a future in the FCC. She'll let you know if the words "hate, stupid," or any curse words make it through your internal censors and in to her earshot. The fines are steep, so it's best to think before you speak around Tiny Tina, the Anti-Swearing Hyena.

This little friend of mine makes it quite easy to Remember Remember the 5th of November, and I'm purely delighted that I'm related to this sweet 5-year-old darling of Oregon.

Have a very Merry Birthday and a Happy School Year, Emma Rose!