Sometimes it is the small things in life and the small people, like Gracie, that we remember the most. When my parents and I try to teach Gracie a new word or phrase we have Gracie repeat it after us. We have taught her such words as daddy, mommy, sissy and thank you to name a few.

Tonight my mom came upstairs to my room to take Gracie downstairs so I could study. I saw Gracie look back at me as they were leaving my room and I smiled and said, “I love you Gracie!” All of the sudden she says, “Ove ou” (Love you). My smile grew even bigger. I have tried so hard many times to try to get Gracie to say I love you to my parents or to me and she has never said it until tonight without it being said to her to repeat.

Gracie makes me smile all of the time, well except when she accidentally tears my homework, but that’s a different story.

Gracie has the cutest smile and the biggest dimples. Whenever she smiles, I smile. She has the funniest laugh I have ever heard from a toddler and that, of course, makes me smile as well. Gracie is a funny and happy little girl. Gracie has the most hilarious fake cry. It’s the type of cry you hear that is distinctly different from her real cry. It’s her cry for attention. She positions her mouth into a frown that is open and lets her acting skills take course. When her favorite television show comes on she attempts to sing the song and does a little dance. Whenever my parents or I have food that looks yummy to her she smacks those little lips and gives you the puppy eyes. These are only a few of the little and memorable things my little sister does that puts a smile on my face. I cannot go through a day with her and not smile and laugh.

I encourage every reader to take the time to remember and appreciate the little things in life.