Courtney, the Caring Cutie

Courtney was both one of my St. Louis and a Badger. She is precious in every way and has a sweet, angelic face. Her blonde hair is beginning to return in little wisps around her head, not unlike the halo she deserves.

Courtney was the girl who wanted everyone to get along, and when Mackenzie (stories to follow on her later) was being bossy and trying to exclude one of the other girls, Courtney was our girl who stood up to the bully and told her "no."

When another child had an upset tummy, Courtney, who was homesick and on the verge of tears the first few nights, gave comfort.

Courtney had never spent a night away from her mom before this trip. Even in the hospital, her mom stayed there with her. Needless to say, the first few days were tough on her, and she was crying, but trying ever-so-hard to contain it. Thursday morning she came to me crying, and I asked if she needed to call her mama.
The wise-beyond-her-years 10 year old simply said, "I think that might make it worse."

Friday evening, after glitter and dancing and bowling, Courtney exclaimed, "I don't want to go home Sunday!" I was elated that she was enjoying her trip as much as I was enjoying her company.

One evening Mackenzie, who is 10 going on 15, said that when she met the band Simple Plan, one of them had "the f-word" written on his shirt "like 30 times!" (Mackenzie was all about pushing the bounds of appropriateness.)

Courtney said, "I know what the f-work is, but I have no idea what it means, and that is fine by me, 'cause I know it is bad."

I told her, while shooting Mackenzie a look, "You don't need to know that word because you are nothing but a little sweetpea and I want you to stay that way!"

Too precious for words.

The other thing I will remember Courtney for, she choreographed "The Badger Dance" on disco bowling night. Let me tell ya, the girls got rhythm! And a huge heart.