The Sweetest Sound

As I was walking up the stairs last night with clean PJ's for the girls, I heard giggles coming from one of the bedrooms. I stopped and listened for a moment, recognized Belle's voice, and was surprised to hear another hearty giggle echoing from the room. And I realized. It was Penelope! She and her sister were in stitches laughing as Annabella was doing a very silly bounce-onto-the bed-floppily sort of trick (something her mother would not have allowed to take place, but the girls were under the watchful eye of their father who is much more indulgent of such behavior). I had heard Penelope sort of hum a little laugh once or twice, but this was a fit of hilarious laughter. For the first time in her life. And it was something I could never have elicited from her. Apparently, at least as of this week, only her three year old sister has that gift. There they were, reveling in each other's company and silliness. Together. It took my breath away the way Jake's phone calls would when I was in the throws of falling in love, and I prayed the girls would always bring each other happiness and laughter in their companionship and play, that they would only try to bring joy to each other, and that they'd have the gift that I've been so blessed by--a sister that is a best friend.
I do hope to hear the melodies and harmonies of that laughter echoing off the walls of this house again. It was the sweetest music.

He will yet fill your mouth with laughter

and your lips with shouts of joy.

JOB 8:21