unexpected blessings

One child throws up.

Another runs a fever.

One fights taking meds.

Another does too.

A few take turns being sick and sleeping on a mattress on the bathroom floor.

One wiggles out from under her mosquito net.

(She gets malaria.)


Three hide food to make sure they won’t go hungry like before.

One scavenges through the trash and eats whatever she can find.

That one eats crayons too.

And chalk.

And silly putty.

(That last one was an accident. She thought it was gum.)

One catches geckos at night when he’s supposed to be in bed.


Another throws birthday parties for stuffed animals.

One wants to change her dress at least three times a day.

Another pouts if jeans aren’t clean to wear that day.

Six love books.

Six love each other.

Six are loved.

Six are ours.

I never expected to be a mom of six.


And I am thankful for God’s unexpected blessings.