Clara has inspired me in many ways. She inspires me to be thoughtful of other people. I remember from a young age her knitting things for other people...going to the hospital with gifts for the newborn babies. She has an innate gentleness with children. She is so very patient. Beyond thoughtful. I feel so very blessed to have her in our lives, and that my daughter is going to grow up having Clara in her life. Especially because I am not that close with a lot of my family, and because Cecelia doesn't have any cousins or anything like that, I feel happy that she has Clara, who is as good as family to Cecelia. She is going to be a great role model. I also feel like Cecelia will always have a friend in Clara. I imagine Clara at Cecelia's high school graduation and at her wedding. One of Cecelia's favourite things is for me to tell the story of how she came to be, and she loves that part when I say that Clara came to see her at the hospital when she was just a few hours old and that she has known Cecelia her whole life! Cecelia asks about and talks about Clara often.
One thing I remember specifically of course is when she won her speech contest in maybe grade 7 or maybe grade 8? And then she got to go to Lakewood to say her speech. I thought that was amazing. I think one of the best things about Clara is that she truly loves life and lives a very full meaningful life. I truly hope that Cecelia learns from her and lives a similar life. When I think about how I parent my children and the life I want for them I think of your Mom and Dad and the job they have done with you and your sisters.
I think she also has a great sense of humour and adventure. She is always up for anything. She is very responsible. I always felt like Cecelia is safe with Clara. Kent and I have only ever left Cecelia with Clara! She has never been left with either Gramma, and we have never left her with a sitter in Red Lake. That is one of the best things about when we move back to Kenora, we get to have Clara!!
I also think she is a really good listener. Some people don't really listen to children, they just ask the question and move on, but Clara really listens.
-Julie
