Rebecca
So much of the time I am questioning myself on if I'm doing a good job as a mother and if I'm making an impact on my kids. I wonder, sometimes, at their decision making. I hope I'm showing them what a godly mother is. I hope I'm showing them what a good person is. I wonder so much of the time how our life change has affected them in their lives. It's difficult to know how kids are processing things in their minds. Even when you ask them, they don't even know what your are talking about. Many times I feel unappreciated. I wonder where in the world I've gone wrong when they display behavior that shocks me. Mostly, I just try to remind myself they are kids and they are learning. They will understand it all someday when they are mothers themselves. I want them to see how wonderful and fulfilling it is to be a stay at home Mom.
Personally, I am so humbled when the girls are involved in volunteering and someone comes and tells me how wonderful they are and how they are easy to work with and just do what they are supposed to do with out being asked or shadowed all along. I think that is some kind of reflection that I am doing the job that I need to be.
Yesterday, Isabelle (11) came home, walked in and went right back out. She returned for a drink a bit later and when I asked her what she was up to, she stated " helping Jan (our elderly neighbor) clean up her yard" I was moved.
As we were eating dinner, Rebecca (13) proudly announces, "I'm in the paper" I say, you are, for honor roll? She says, "nope" I say "pictured in the paper" She says " nope". She brings me the paper...7 seventh graders had blurbs chosen for the paper about who was the most inspiring woman they knew. My daughter wrote a paragraph detailing me. I was a blubbering mess. ME? Me who most times feels like I'm the worst mother walking the planet. Who often refers to myself as the MOTY?
Then she up and volunteers to do the supper dishes....*shakes head*
I was sharing this with my sister today and she said, "you need to laminate that baby". I said "yeah and wave it in her face when she's 17 and 'hates' me for something. " lol
I am wrapped in comfort in the days events. It is awesome to see them growing and reflecting some of the things I'm hoping we are teaching them.
3 comments:
Michelle, you ARE a good mama. As someone who has spent a tiny bit of time with your girls when you're not around, they are amazing. And that? Is because of YOU. Yes, they will get sassy with you, make poor choices, and do things you don't want them to do. But that is part of growing up and becoming women. They will rebel and test your boundaries, and that is NORMAL. You are doing an excellent job, and someday I hope you will sit around a table and they will tell you that, being mamas themselves. That doesn't mean you can't still be MOTY! ;)
I totally understand where you are coming from. I think this is every mother's biggest fear..am I doing the right thing for my children? Will they make good choices when I'm not around? Are they polite to others? Will they grow up to be caring adults?
Do you think Dads sit around and wonder this too?
The scary thing about parenting is you must wait so LONG to find out how you really did (lol!). At least you have gotten a little glimpse and can see that you are on the right track. Congratulations! :)
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