Family

I had a revelation several months ago. I was watching my own children, ages 4 and 2 1/2 at the time, eating lunch together. My son was showing his little brother how to place his napkin in his lap, reminding him not to wipe his mouth on his sleeve. Not only was I incredibly proud of my son for his loving, nurturing heart, but I was struck by my own sudden awareness that my husband and I are not the only ones raising our children. Their own siblings will play a tremendous role in their upbringing. My oldest son will, for the rest of his life, be a guide in his younger brother's life. At times, his influence might even mean more than ours as the parents. Afterall, my youngest idolizes his big brother like a superhero. Later in life, that idolization may fade, but I know as brothers they will always have an impact on the other's life choices and behaviors. Sometimes the little one might resent the bigger one, and I don't fool myself into thinking that all of my older son's guidance will always be sound.

Nonetheless, that moment will live forever in my mind as a milestone in my life as a mother. Of course, my husband and I are committed to raising all of our children with love, honestly, and faith. But we aren't just doing it for them as individuals. The values we instill in them now, they will reinforce in each other. It seems like a simple principle. Seeing it played out in a simple everyday moment between my sons, it made me realize that this is what family might really be about.

When I first saw this image through the camera lens a few weeks ago, I relived that milestone again ... the two older brothers leading their baby sister bravely into the world. She looked back for a little reassurance from Mommy, but she still held their hands and followed where they led. Love. Trust. Family.