I underestimated them

Last summer we were invited to a birthday party where instead of gifts they asked for items to donate to a charity - I forget which one. I thought that was such a great idea and after packing up and unpacking the playroom last August I decided the girls had enough toys and books and that we would do the same thing. I thought about it occasionally during the year and wondered how they would handle it - especially Avery. Reagan hasn't had many birthdays and hasn't gone to many parties, but Avery is becoming a pro and is learning when to expect some loot. When the birthdays rolled around we decided to ask for books to donate to Texas Children's Hospital. We have spent much time in the various TCH waiting rooms over the past few months so I thought that would be a place where many other children could benefit, but where we might run into the books again. I thought it would be neat for Avery to see where they went. Our friends were wonderful and many brought 2 or 3 to the party instead of just 1. They have been sitting in the kitchen ready to go and we finally got over to the hospital this week to donate. Again, I wasn't sure how either Avery or Reagan would handle handing over brand new books to a lady they didn't know - especially since books are still their favorite toy and they didn't have most of the books we were giving. THEY WERE AMAZING. Both of them handed over the books with a smile and never complained about doing so. I was so proud. In a world were people are always looking to "get", I hope we can teach them the importance of giving... and I hope that I can learn from them how easy and rewarding it is to give.