Big Bubbie has started a new tradition that I will call Storytime Theatre.

As you may remember, my daughter suffers from PTSD, and has severe insomnia. She has begun asking her big brother to tell her a story each night before she goes to bed. My oldest is quite the ham and he loves to tell long-winded stories. Little Bubbie has managed to horn in on the action as well, and now attends the story sessions in Sissy’s room.

Many times the stories are “semi-autobiographical” focusing on some aspect of my oldest son’s life, but the lead characters are often animals with human abilities (speech, emotions, etc.) or trains, or some other object near and dear to their hearts.

My oldest will chronicle the adoption journey from his standpoint, or describe our move from one home to another in preparation for the adoption.

The children love their big brother to pieces and they love hearing his stories (since, more often than not, two of the characters in the stories are named after them)! They get to hear things about his life, and they get to have a ritual that is all their own. In addition, my oldest (who loves them to pieces, in return!) gets to hone his creativity by making up and telling his very long stories to an adoring audience and gets a nice boost to his self-esteem, as well. And, Sissy hopefully begins to associate bedtime with something pleasant and non-threatening.

I’ve taught the kids one of the bedrocks of my marriage to their dad: Never let the sun go down on your wrath (Ephesians 4:26). Though none of us ever really get über angry at another, we do like going to bed on a positive note. And, whereas, the kids don’t ever really get into über-scuffles with each other, this bedtime ritual pretty much ensures everyone goes to bed lovey-dovey!

And, that was my Love Thursday ... How about yours?

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