Madie was very sad today. She missed her brother badly. (Ainsley asked if we were going to bury Ben in the backyard next to Abby. A week ago I would not have done well with that statement but we are on the other side of our drama, so I can see the humor now.)
So Daddy sneaked Madie upstairs. He asked the front desk, “Does she look 12?” (you have to be over 12 to get in the hospital). The nurse said that if Chris says Madie is 12 than she has to take his word for it.
So Madie came inside (did I mention that Chris had a lot of explaining to do with Madie about why he lied. Not pretty. glad it was him and not me.) There was such joy in the fact that she got to see her brother and talk to him. She stayed for about 10 minutes and then Daddy wisked her down the elevator again.
It was worth breaking all of the rules to have Madie reassured that Ben was ok. She is my little worrier.
The Puddles 
I wondered how you’d get around that 12 year old rule! Daddy didn’t lie, Madie — he exaggerated. Anyway, like Daddy says — it’s easier to ask forgiveness than permission. And, I’m sure Daddy was forgiven. You needed to see Ben and God made it possible. Remember, He works in mysterious ways!