Making a connection
Squatting down at Emily’s eye level, I presented myself as her aunt and made an effort to connect with the little girl. “Good afternoon, Emily. I’m your aunt,” I said gently and smiled at her kindly. She looked down at me with wide eyes and her curiosity was obvious. “Aunt?” she repeated, tilting her head back a little. I nodded, feeling a mix of excitement and hope. “Yes, I’m here to be with you and help your mother,” I said.
Making a connection
Jenna’s condition obvious
As Jenna slowly emerged, her poorer condition was even more apparent than the day before when Emily asked who I was. “Mommy, who is this?” Emily inquired, turning to Jenna. Jenna’s pale face and exhausted eyes met mine, and she made a slight smile. “That’s your aunt,” Jenna said in an exasperated voice. It broke my heart to see Jenna like this, and I realized I had to commit to both of them.
Jenna’s condition Obviously
