It is difficult to fully explain how much Christian's unwavering faith played a role in his darling, little sister being born.....destiny knew that Christian needed this precious little girl to help him navigate his extraordinary life, and it didn't matter that doctors had said it would and could not happen! Miracles rarely repeat themselves and we weren't supposed to even have our son, it was my greatest blessing to be a mother again.
Malia is Christian's biggest fan but her own talents are so bright that she is not the least bit in her brother's shadows. Christian's sister had her own big personality and yet brought a peace and understanding in times when Christian faced adversity because of his talents. ! Christian may not have had his desired one hundred sisters but Malia was more than enough, the bond between them was remarkable, tightly sealed never to be broken. Malia was Christian's luminous sunshine during times when my Beethoven Boy was hindered by dark, ferocious clouds. Malia, from the age she could speak always wanted me to leave her bedroom door open so she could fall asleep listening to her brother practice his piano....the thundering chords and melancholy melodies somehow lulling her to sleep.
One particular story sums their relationship up best...
Christian, at age seven faithfully attended Sunday school and every week, the kids had an assignment..to memorize a bible verse and to answer some questions that made their faith more relatable to their every day life. Each Sunday, the students were given the opportunity to say their verse to their teacher and turn in their homework. As a fun incentive, teachers would give the kids Monopoly money, the amount dependent on what they completed. Then, every month, teachers would wheel in a trolley of treats that ranged from candy to small gifts to a few larger items. Christian took this very seriously and faithfully completed his assignments every week. He had paid special attention to the rewards trolley because one very large and special hot wheel racetrack kit had caught his eye and despite being the most expensive, my little Beethoven was determined to earn it. Concerned about potential disappointment, teachers calculated that it would take my determined son the full school year to obtain the $80.00 price tag..(Monopoly money) and it only allowed room for one class absense. I tried to talk Christian out of his lofty ambition but he was absolutely determined to bring that race car track home the following June. So, thus it began..Christian was fully committed to earning his maximum three dollars every class and keep it safe in an envelope. Every Sunday, he would count his money after he arrived home from church. So, was my Beethoven Boy successful....did he come home that Sunday in June with his most coveted prize?
This is where the story becomes truly interesting....the day had arrived but Christian had to go to church with his Dad as Malia had a cold and I needed to stay home with her. Christian was understandably very excited, and I couldn't wait to see him after church and play race cars on his new most well-earned track.
My husband walked in the door first followed by my beaming boy who was carrying an enormous bag.
"Christian, I can't wait to see your track!" I asked excitedly.
"Well," Christian's grin widened, "I saw my track on the trolley and I was giving my teacher my money but then I saw this HUGE FANCY DOLL and it was the same price and I just knew Malia would love it.
My son's eyes were illuminated with such incredible joy but truthfully, I felt completely stunned, even chiding Christian a little saying, "But Christian, you wanted that special track for ten months and you finally had enough money to buy it....why would you ever change your mind?!!"
At that moment, three year-old Malia walked in the room and Christian joyously, graciously, presented her with the doll. My Beethoven Boy never mentioned that track again....he had found a greater gift that made his heart feel enormous, having the power to make his little sister light up in a smile and hug him tight.
I felt my eyes fill with tears, I had never been more proud of my son than in this defining moment.
Christian's generosity towards Malia never wavered in their life together. On holidays, we would tell the children to keep their eyes out for something special to take home after their two week holiday was over and we would set a dollar figure, usually $25.00 for them to spend. Inevitably, Malia would pick out a stuffie as SHE LOVED STUFFIES and Christian would take his time looking for something special.
On more than one holiday, Malia would spot another toy or stuffie that SHE LOVED.... and suddenly, we would see her throw her arms estatically around Christian's neck because he had pulled out ten of his dollars to give her so she could buy a second toy.
One again, I would intervene reminding Christian that Malia already had a special gift and that money was his but he would just smile and tell me that he enjoyed spoiling his little sister.
My little Beethoven boy already had his own treasure, her name was Malia and she was his sister, forever meant to be.
