Day 207: What's Going On?

Ugh, I'm so sad and anxious tonight. On the heels of so many tragic losses of young people in our community, today I have heard more stories about challenges with freinds' children then my heart can process.

No matter what the issue, school, mental illness, sickness when your child is hurting your world is turned upside down. If an adult is sick your heart aches too, but not the same way as when it is a child. Our children are suppose to skip through life healthy and happy and we do everything possible to ensure no tragedy crosses their path. It's an impossible task even for the best of parents.

All you have to do is watch the news, or read the newspaper to know how terrible children's lives around the world are, breaks your heart that that level of pain and suffering exists. You pray it never enters your world, but it does. Pain, illness, sickness have no boundaries and all our children are susceptible to these ailments.

I remember two years ago when my son's pal was diagnosed with Leukemia. We were all devastated. How could a young boy just 13 years old have cancer? While my rational brain knows this happens everyday, until it personally touches you or your family, you don't want to beleive it happens.

I just have such a heavy heart. I want all the problems to go away. I want all the children to be healthy.

Day 20 & 21: Appreciate Motherhood

Happy Mommy's Day ! Ahh the Hallmark Holiday is here! While I find it a little silly that we have a special day dedicated to honoring Mom's, I must say I do like to be pampered all day long! It makes up (just a little) for all the days that we feel we are not appreciated for the work we do. And it is work, with no days off.

Mother's Day is a bittersweet day for me. I am blessed to have my 3 delicious sons and am honored to be called Mom by them, but I do not have a Mom to say Happy Mom's Day to. To all my sisters who have lost their Mommy's way too early, I share your pain & loss.

I also hold a place in my heart for Mom's who have lost their children. I can't imagine the hole in their heart. I really can't. I think about the young Lacrosse player at the University of Virginia who was murdered this past week by an enraged boyfriend; her mother will spend this day without her daughter. Or the young Chelsea King from San Diego who was killed by a monster. How does her mom spend this day? My heart aches thinking about this. And all the Moms here in our own city who have lost their babies to gang violence. How do they celebrate today? Or the young pregnant woman who just blocks from my house was gunned down this past week while standing on the sidewalk. No doubt her Mom grieves today for her daughter and her grandbaby.

So today if you are annoyed by your teenagers attitude, or their poor grades, or if your toddler has thrown one too many tantrums for you to handle, or your kid didn't clean his room up, take a moment to pause and appreciate how blessed you are to be a Mom, despite all the imperfections your children may have. None of us are perfect. We all have flaws and children are no different. But can you imagine life without them? Without someone on this earth calling you Mom or Mommy or Mama? I can't imagine my life without hearing those words. I wear that title with honor & pride.

And while parenthood is the most emotional roller coaster ride you'll ever take, it's my favorite ride.