Tonight we had a really great Family dinner over at my In-Laws (literally through one door). We live with our In-Laws, separate homes, and every summer my husband’s family has a Cousin Camp. Cousins and Cousins come from far and near to meet and have fun on our little farm here in Pennsylvania. It is awesome. So many kids, so many cousins and just plain fun.
So tonight one of Mo’s cousins, who is about her same age, received a sweet little doll from Mo’s Grandmother (Mimi). It was sweet and the lil’ darling was so happy. Throughout the dinner I could see Mo’s reaction, and it wasn’t a pleased reaction. Which is interesting because Mo’ doesn’t like dolls. So her displeasure with seeing this sweet girl get a doll from Mo’s Mimi was entertaining.
At dinner we had some traditional toasts honouring my in-laws for hosting such a great event every year. At the end of the grown up glass raising gratuities, lil’ sweet Cuz dinged her glass and gave props for the lovely gift. My eyes darted to Mo’ to witness her reaction. Anxiety literally entered the M3 building. ”Please Mo’ don’t ding your glass… please Mo’ don’t ding your glass…” She locked eyes with me. Frowned. And then looked at Mimi and then at her glass. She was seriously trying to think of something to toast to Mimi for and I thought we were about to have a moment of dueling toasts. I immediately thought of the clip below.
Crisis was averted. I smiled lovingly at my Marvelous Mo’ and when we came home from dinner she still had a sour puss on her face.
M3: ”Mo’ you really need to be able to share in someone else’s pleasure of being given something from Mimi. It has no reflection of how much she loves you more or less than someone else in her life. Celebrate in Lil’ Sweet Cuz’s joy.“
Mo’: ”Mom. I don’t really like dolls, but I really think I would’ve liked it too had I gotten one just because I like Mimi.“
I was stumped. However, I need to help Mo’ realize that we “Get what we get, and we don’t get upset.” No matter what. We appreciate what we have and celebrate what others have if it brings them joy.
A movie still from Bridesmaids (2011).
Original Size / Source: Universal Pictures
