Raising Our Girls

[Shy-Diapers]

Mary rested close with her mother, chatting a little to the best of her abilities.

[justagirl4fun]

Penny sighed. "That's what I figured," she grumbled as she pushed her bowl away and slipped out of her chair. "Mary gets everything, an' I get nothin'."

[Shy-Diapers]

John went after his daughter and looked her in the eyes. "Honey, what does Mary get that you don't?" They always treated the girls equally, but Mary did get more attention, but that was necessary when she needed help with everything, and they didn't know if today would be the last day they ever saw her. They always got the girls equal gifts and toys, wanting to be as fair as possible.

[justagirl4fun]

"She gets to go do stuff all the time!" Penny pointed out, referring to Mary's therapy. At the age of 4 she didn't really understand the importance of it. To her, it just looked like Mary was playing fun games. "An' when you're not home, mama never wants to do anything with me. She's always busy with Mary."

[Shy-Diapers]

"Honey, Mary doesn't do much more than

[justagirl4fun]

"Yeah, but she still gets to do fun stuff at therapy, an' I have to sit by myself an' watch. Why can't she watch me do something?"

[Shy-Diapers]

John sighed. "Because mommy and I don't think it's fair. Because Mary can't walk like you so she feels left out a lot because she can't do what you can."

[justagirl4fun]

"So I'm never, ever gonna get to do anything, 'cause Mary can't?" Penny asked, feeling defeated. "I'm just gonna stay here doin' nothin'

[Shy-Diapers]

John sighed. "No baby. Just we have to find a way to let you do things by yourself. Well work on it okay?"

[justagirl4fun]

"Okay," Penny mumbled, sounding entirely unconvinced. She shuffled to the living room and flopped down on the couch.

[Shy-Diapers]

John frowned. He peeked in on Mary and his wife to see how she was doing. He was relived that Mary seemed to be sleeping soundly and breathing fine.

[justagirl4fun]

"Hey, she's doing okay. Just a little sleepy," Diana said when she saw John.

[Shy-Diapers]

"That's good." John said, relieved Mary was doing better. He was starting to worry though, Mary's seizures had been becoming more frequent lately. He leaned over and kissed his older daughter on the forehead. "Hon do you wanna eat? I can find something for us. Penny's on the couch. She's disappointed about the lessons."

[justagirl4fun]

"Yeah, well, she'll get used to it. Sometimes life is disappointing," Diana said with a shrug as she got up.

[Shy-Diapers]

John nodded. He went to the kitchen to find something for the two of them to eat.

[justagirl4fun]

Diana followed. "There are Hot Pockets in the freezer," she suggested. "I guess I really should go grocery shopping."

[Shy-Diapers]

"Yeah. Let's do it this weekend. I can take Mary home early if need be." John said putting some of the hot pockets in the microwave.

[justagirl4fun]

"Okay, sounds good," Diana agreed as she filled two glasses with ice and Coke.

[Shy-Diapers]

John sat down next to his wife and chuckled as he put the hot pockets on paper plates. "Fine dining." He joked with a smile.

[justagirl4fun]

"Nothing but the best for my true love," Diana replied with a wink.

[Shy-Diapers]

John laughed and started to eat. Afterwards he tossed the disposable dishes, not wanting to wash more. Pretty soon it was getting to be bedtime. Mary was already sound asleep in her room. He headed to the living room to get Penny. "It's almost bedtime sweetie."

[justagirl4fun]

Penny held her arms up. "Carry me?"

[Shy-Diapers]

John scooped Penny up and carried her to her room. He dropped her on her bed and smiled. "Pick out your clothes and we can get you ready."

[justagirl4fun]

Penny picked out her green and white stripes elf pajamas. "These ones!"

[Shy-Diapers]

"Sure baby." John said dressing Penny in the selected pajamas. "No go potty and brush your teeth okay? Then I'll read you a story."