Oh Madi

This sweet little girl is Madi.  She has been such a great friend to my kids.  Matter of fact she was the first friend Seth ever really had.  She was always so kind to Jaquelle even though she was 2 years older.  She always included her and played with her like she was the same age.  Since we moved in when she was just a few months old and Seth was almost one, my kids grew to love being with or playing with Madi.  Coincidentally Madi became Seth's first crush.  But for kids this age, it was really more of Best friend.  Madi comforted him when he was nervous at primary and crying or terrified in Kindergarten.  She always made sure he felt included or had friends. And when he would avoid playing with the big group of kids (seth was always more of a one on one type of play kid), she would make sure he knew if he wanted to, she would be there.  There were many birthday parties and other gatherings that he only agreed to go to because he knew she would be there to help him feel safe.  When Seth was younger, he was terrified of being left in a situation where there was not CONSTANT adult supervision. So if a teacher walked out of a room, or a mom was not in sight while playing at a friends house, he would panic.  Madi helped him many times with this and was there to comfort him.  She became his blanket.  Which, as a mom, I was so grateful for.  I worried he'd have a hard time when they were not in the same classes at church or school, but their separation was gradual and he learned to be a little more independent as he grew older.  But little did I know, he still loved Madi with all his heart. 
  This year, we learned that Madi would be moving!  Seth came home and cried.  It was one of the first times as a parent where I knew I couldn't make it better.  Matter of fact one time when I was trying to comfort him, he actually told me, "I just want to be alone."  I got it.  But it was still heart breaking to watch.  Seth is now in 3rd grade and the school crushes are everywhere.  Everyone knew at school that Seth and Madi were getting married and Seth would come home and tell me the other kids that liked certain girls.  I knew the innocence of it and watched them play more as buddies than anything else.  The night before she moved was emotional but we said good bye and talked about how good of a friend she was.  They promised to keep in touch and even though I knew they would drift a part, I let him believe he would grow up, go on a mission, come back and go to BYU or whatever college Madi was at and they would get married.  He asked us many questions about marriage and college and missions at this time and I knew he was planning his future. He was determined and he had his priorities in order so I never discouraged it.  I have marveled at watching Seth try to be strong and let go of someone he loves.  We will miss their whole family but are excited for the new adventure for them.