I love this face...this is how she has looked all summer long. Scraggly hair damaged from countless hours in the sun and pool, missing teeth giving her the cutest smile this side of the Mississippi, bright blue eyes that twinkle when she smiles. Life with Lily is so much fun, and she is a special reminder to me everyday to enjoy motherhood. I need to share a story from last week...
One morning last week I spent a ton of time on the phone...talking to people from church, talking to friends, talking to my mom, talking to Dr's offices. It seems that I was on the phone for a really long time, especially to a little 6 year old who wanted to talk to her mommy. I kept ssshhh-shing her and telling her "just a minute, I'm almost done."
As I was on the phone with my mom, the call waiting beeped in, I looked down at the caller ID, and it was my cell phone beeping in...I immediately remembered seeing Lily with my phone and told my mom I needed to switch to the other line to see who was calling...I knew who it was...it was Lily.
Here's how the conversation went:
her, with the sweetest little voice I ever heard: "Mommy?"
me: "Yes, Lily?"
her: "Can I have some juice?"
me: "Yes, Lily, I'll go get some for you right now."
her, with a giggle: "okay, thanks mommy"
It was a simple, but hugely profound experience for me. She needed me and found a way to get through to me even when I was being ignorant. I know that every one of my children are sent here to me for a reason, to teach me something. I certainly learn more from them than I could ever teach.
In just about one month, Lily will start 1st grade and I will enter a new stage of life where none of my children are home during the day. I am experiencing moments of heartbreak and sadness, which is to be expected I guess when your baby goes to school. I will surely miss spending so much time with her as my little sidekick and it will definitely take some getting used to.
I think to combat the loneliness and sadness, I will volunteer as much as I can down at the school. I love my children and the opportunities they give me to learn and grow. I am grateful for the opportunity to have the best job in the world.
On a day like today, where I have a to-do list a mile long and a certain stress level from planning tomorrows 24th celebration, I need to remember the joys of motherhood and take some time to really LOVE my children.
What will you do to show your children you love them?
