Friday, January 23, 2009

My Awesome Daughter

Well, I just got back from dropping off a new winter coat for a little boy in Jonni's class who doesn't have one. I'm not tooting my own horn here, I'm tooting one for Jonni, the best little girl ever.
It started last week when Jonni came home from school. She told me about a little boy in her class who was wearing pink gloves. "He's a boy, mommy!", she laughed. "And he's wearing pink gloves, isn't that funny?!" I sat her down to explain that they were probably all that little boy had to wear in the blistering cold we were getting, and she really shouldn't laugh because it would make him feel horrible. She got really quiet and thoughtful and didn't say anything else about it for the rest of the day.
The next day she came home and said "[That little boy] doesn't have a coat mommy. I think we should get him one. He says he wants a really warm coat with Spiderman on it. We can use my piggy bank money." Jonni has about three dollars in her piggy bank that she has been saving forever. I bawled, and said I would talk to her daddy about it, and see what we could do.
John and I were unanimous in our agreement that this kind of generosity should be supported. We both believe that welfare would be unnecessary if only we all would take care of our brothers and sisters. I contacted her teacher to make sure there was a need, and Jonni was right; the little boy was wearing an older sister's coat when he couldn't sneak out of the house without it. Otherwise he wore nothing.
Jonni and I went that same night, last night, and picked him out a warm coat. They didn't have any with Spiderman on them, so we got one in Spiderman's colors. We got him some black "boy" mittens and a bright red hat for good measure.
When I dropped the stuff off at the office, so we could all remain anonymous, the whole staff was in on it. Jonni's teacher couldn't help bragging to her co-workers about the stellar little girl in her class. Jonni is a hero to the teachers and staff in her school. What a wonderful thing to be a hero for.
So here's to my Jonni, the hero to one little boy, her school, and most definitely, the parents who love her and are honored and blessed to serve her in that capacity.
The Almighty (and for once completely humbled) Liz
**Update** The little boy adores his new coat, his teacher tells me, and Jonni (who didn't say anything to the boy, but she's his friend so he talks to her) says he can't wait to tell his mom and dad all about how he got a new coat at school today! Wonderful stuff.

14 comments:

Brad Carter said...

What, Jonni didn't bother to get him new shoes?? What a jerk! Just kidding, that's really awesome! Is the kid happy and wearing the coat every single day?

Jeanette said...

Wow. What a little girl you have. My eyes teared up as I read your post. Yes, what a true hero. "Naked, and ye clothed me"

craftyashley said...

That's awesome. I hope my kids can be that caring and thoughtful like their big cousin Jonni!

Eyepoke said...

I cried almost as hard as I did when Conan explains what is best in life.

lizS said...

he just got it today, but his teacher said that he was really happy when she gave it to him! thanks guys; she really is a uber special girl!

timpani76 said...

That is so cool! I refrained from bawling like John/Conan, but it was a very touching story.

Jonni is my hero too!

Karen said...

Kudos to Jonni for her big heart, and kudos to her parents who help her by teaching by example. You rock.

colista said...

Awww, don't ya just love it when there are moments like this with our children. It makes it all worthwhile. What a special little girl you have!

Hoba Chi said...

That is fabulous, Liz! Kudos to you and John for raising her right!

Dana Cheryl said...

It's nice to read something heartwarming from the "real world" versus the media contrived world. :)

Anonymous said...

Way cool. Jonni is awesome, what can I say? :)

Mary

Bruce said...

i figure my kids must be at least as generous as yours. you see they keep not coming home with there gloves and so they must be taking them right off their hands and giving thim away. (acually they are just not responsible with there stuff) but one of our boys almost had to were the barbi gloves we have in the box because he has managed to lose about 3 or 4 pairs this year. story is cool though. i like the piggy bank part.

Anonymous said...

Wow, Liz, I am impressed! I especially love that Jonni wanted to use her own money to purchase the coat. You must be doing something right. We love you.

Renae said...

That is way awesome!! You guys are doing a great job!

(And I can't believe I missed that story until now. I started reading it when you first posted it, but I got interupted or something and didn't finish it. I've been trying to back down from the blogosphere somewhat. So the next few times I checked your blog, I saw the title and I'd forgotten that I hadn't finished the story. I can't believe I missed it. What a worthless dork I am!)