Stories from those that I love, near and far, known and unknown, or the news can break a heart and tenderize it at the same time. It's those cracks that allow the love to flow.
It broke my heart when Z got hurt, my mind is still unsettled from that.
My dog-niece was buried next to Paco this weekend. The mother of his children.
A close friend's father passed away from a freak accident.
The news in Austin alone continues to astound me with it's growing violence and sadness.
That's just the tip of the iceberg.
It makes me wonder what kind of world I brought children into. It makes me cry when I think of the pain that they will endure in their lifetime. I imagine that parents have pondered this for millennia.
Above all, it makes me realize the magnitude of the job of a parent and what examples I set.
Truth be told, they let me know every day what I should and shouldn't be doing.
It's up to me to show my children love, compassion and respect, so that they may give the same to others.
It's up to me to be kind and gentle, so that everyone receives the same touch from them.
It's up to me to forgive, so that the trespasses and pains others bring may be forgiven. And so that they can forgive themselves. We all make mistakes and do things we regret.
It's up to me to be patient, so that they can tolerate everyone and not get so frustrated.
It's up to me to be fearless, so that they may go beyond their fears and learn what they are capable of.
It's up to me to be generous, so that they learn to give and never expect in return.
It's up to me to give them all that I have, love, time and resources, so that they may experience the world in ways that Daddy and I did or didn't.
It's up to me to listen to them, so that they listen to others.
But when it comes down to it, children already encompass all these traits from birth. Sometimes they forget them, begin to test them, or see alternate examples, but they lie in the heart of each and everyone of us.
It's up to me to remind them that they can remain well into adulthood.
I am so grateful that they have taught and reminded me of so many things, which in turn reminds me that I too teach them.
You are awesome! What a beautiful post. Thanks for sharing these words.
ReplyDeleteNichole, I hope you write a book about parenting some day. I am so moved by your thinking and efforts.
ReplyDeleteThis is a beautiful post. Your children are lucky that they have you as their example.
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