With each day as they grow they cling more tightly to one another in so many ways.
Ava delights in being the big sister to both Henry and Ella. Yet Ella affords Ava that opportunity to be a big sister to a girl. Many of the things Ava likes to do are taken up by Ella; I can see many of Ava's mannerisms in Ella. There is definitely a bond forming.
Throughout the day, of course, is the bickering, the bothering, and the annoying habits we've all come to know too well. There are the time-outs, the scoldings, and the teaching of apologies and forgiveness.
Woven into the waking hours are moments that might melt one's heart. The girls playing make-believe together, sharing their coloring supplies, or getting their nails painted by Mommy. Ava takes off her "bossy" hat and puts on her "sweet" hat. She talks with Ella and helps her to do things. She teaches her about the world and allows Ella to explore it. She runs to her aid and defends her when necessary.
At the end of the day, it turns out to be a typical sister-sister relationship. However, with Ella having SMA and being confined to a wheelchair and as fragile as she can be, Ava has taken the "typical" and customized it to fit our family. She has shown herself to be a sister that Ella can count on, a sister that will always embrace her, a sister that will stay with her...forever.
