We’re going to Cebu this week, and in preparation for our visit to Oslob Island to see the whale sharks, King bought new snorkeling gear for me and Danae. He came home last night with the package, which Danae almost immediately ransacked. She was so excited! Noelle, on the other hand, looked inside the bag and found nothing.
Noelle: (in a normal tone, not sad or disappointed or upset, not even whiney) There’s none for me?
I was just observing how she would respond.
King: Sorry. Not yet for you, baby.
I was so amazed at my little girl when she didn’t even frown, not even to pretend to be sad. She was actually laughing with her sister.
Me: We will look for the small goggles for you, okay? It’s Barbie.
Noelle: Yay!
Talk about joy! She was joyful even when she did not have anything new. Joyful even when she was the only one who didn’t have anything new. Joyful even in seeing her older sister be so excited for her new gear. She did not require much explanation, though I did give her some. She just ACCEPTED it and remained happy. WOW! I couldn’t help but hug her and tell her how proud I was of her and her attitude, to which she responded:
“I’M JOY, MOMMY!”
Indeed! You are the epitome of joy, Noelle! I want to be like you! 🙂
Phoebe's Sari-Sari Stories 
Love this, Ms. Phoebe. I’ve been studying on what it means to have joy recently so this is just so timely!
I want to be like you too, Noelle. 🙂 Content and joyful even for others. 🙂
aw….we’ve so much to learn from you, Noelle. We love you!