Gushing

I have two wonderful nieces, 11 year old N and 3 year old C. In C's short life, she has suffered several health ailments, which have resulted in her spending a month in the hospital with the superbug and two surgeries. She has routinely been ill her entire life until this past month. The doctors have finally determined she has an immune deficiency involving staphylococcus. She has received injections to help boost her immune system and has developed the antibodies required to fight the disease, which is a huge relief.

Last night I received a phone call from N, who wants to be a writer like her aunt. Her poem had been selected for a contest being held by the America Library of Poetry. She was so excited to be entered in the contest and doesn't care if she wins anything, just that her poem was selected. I didn't want to tell her, I was jealous that they are going to publish her poem in their annual book. Seriously, I am very proud of her.