Before I had kids I knew how important is was to instill empathy in your children so when my first son was born I was very aware of not only teaching but leading by example.  When he entered preschool at his first conference his teachers told me he was one of the most empathetic kids in the class.  Big pat on the back to myself and hubby !

Well, ten years later I am wondering if he has forgot what empathy is or if he just was "faking" it the whole time.  That was until today when my youngest got hurt.  My 8 year old was out in the yard pulling weeds (yes, I am that mean mom and I make my kids work), my oldest started yelling "Evan is hurt" !  I ran over to him to find out through his crying and huge alligator tears some kind of flying bug had bit/stung him on the back of the neck. 

Before I could even assess the situation my oldest had ice in a bag along with Benadryl and bug bite cream !  I checked out the bite, took off his coat and shirt to make sure the culprit was left outside and calmed him down.  Evan did eventually calm down and said he was done pulling weeds and just wanted to relax, totally understood.

I headed back to doing what I do best, laundry and heard the two boys talking.  Sam kept asking Evan if he was okay and if he wanted to watch a movie.  I looked over at them as Sam was making his brother a nice comfortable bed on the floor with fluffy blankets and the pillow off his bed.  It made me smile.  Sam then agreed to hang out with Evan and watch a movie of Evan's choice (this is a HUGE, HUGE deal people), I can not tell you what movie they ended up watching as Sam does worry about his reputation.  Needless to say it was one of the sweetest moments just watching Sam take care of his little brother, continually asking if he was okay and showing EMPATHY !!!!!!  YES, HE STILL HAS IT !!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's now been a few hours, they are still getting along and I still have a smile on my face.