Finally got it done!

Hannah finally got her ears pierced. As afraid of needles and pain as she is, I was surprised back in September when Hannah told me that she wanted to get her ears pierced. We quickly called Jo Ann and decided that Jo Ann would get it done for her for her birthday. But, because of soccer, we didn't have an opportunity to get it done until tonight.

I wish I could say it was smooth sailing and that she handled it like a trooper, but I can't.

As we neared the Piercing Pagoda in the mall, she started whining, like a dog does. Then, when it was her turn to sit in the chair, she started crying--lots and lots of tears.

A few minutes after that, she started wailing--loudly. So loud, in fact, that several passers-by stopped to stare. Jo Ann decided she would move to the other side of the counter so no one would confuse her for Hannah's mom--that was my pleasure! We finally told Hannah that she had to make a decision: get her ears pierced or leave. I'm not sure why, but she sucked in her breath and said, "I want to get them pierced." And she did.

Once the girl was done, Hannah said, "I don't know why I acted like that; it didn't hurt at all." Now, I doubt that was true, but the important fact is that she went ahead and faced a fear. I'm not sure she is even aware how big of a step this was for her, but it was HUGE. This child is ruled by fear, and for her to face that ear piercing gun, and go ahead with it is big. And, even though I was momentarily embarrassed by her behavior, I am ultimately very proud of her.