Today I got to enjoy the simple pleasure of watching my daughter play with a little girl her age. They love to use their imaginations. I asked them, “What are you playing?” Our little friend answered, “Family.”
I eavesdropped as she repeatedly called my daughter “sweetheart”. “Let’s go to the store. Come with me, sweetheart.” With there being so many heartbreaking stories in the media lately, one that affected me very deeply, it was such a healing experience for me to know that this little girl is loved and nurtured. She is just saying what her mom says to her. To know that one child is being treated the way she deserves to be treated made a world of difference to me. I tried to push away thoughts of children I encountered who repeated hurtful words and actions, not really understanding what they were doing. They were just imitating their parents’ example.
Years ago I received a blessing before I had kids and it said the love I had for them would be reflected back to me. That has so much more significance now. Back then I thought of course my children would love me back, but I hadn’t experience yet how hard it was to be a good mom and the worry that comes with it. I have tried so hard and made many mistakes along the way. The “please” and “thank you’s” always made me happy, but nothing compares to my children seeing a need now and offering their help. I start to clear out the dishwasher and one of my children will run over to do it for me. My son sees me stirring some sauce or frying up some meat and he offers to step in. For months he said I better sleep in on Christmas Day because he was planning a surprise. That far in advance, he was planning on making me breakfast in bed, something he had also done for me the morning of a dance event I was going to. That’s how my boy shows love! My kids also love nothing more than to spend quality time with me. I think they finally understand that when I knock myself out making an awesome meal or helping them in any way, that is how I show love.
At times I do cringe, “Oh, that sounded like me just now.” I think for the most part though, my kids reflect a lot of my good qualities. They also remind me of what I need to work on.
I’m grateful for the peace I felt today. I wish every child had parents as wonderful as this little girl’s mom.
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