Before I found myself wandering along the winding roads of motherhood, I remember thinking, "motherhood can't be all that hard". And I don't mean this at all in any way to discourage you soon-to-be mothers. No one tells us, at least not to the extent, about the sleepless nights, the spit up covered (or in Lola's more recent case, vomit-encrusted) clothing, or even the sense of defeat when dealing with a sick and inconsolable child. And if they do let you in on this little bit of truth, this valuable bit of insight, they go easy on you. They fluff things up, using words craftily sewn together like, 'oh it's not that bad', or 'my child never cried', leaving our hearts a little more at ease. A little more comfortable. A little more confident about the wonderfully rewarding task ahead.
And the moment that little body comes out and into the world, something happens. It's as if we've spent the last however many years of our lives senseless, numb to the beautiful world that surrounds us. Our ability to think and feel become heightened. We become more loving, more caring, and more compassionate. We become better women. This whole new kind of love shines brightly, getting us through those late night feedings, those sleepless nights when silence seems so loud, and the days when sickness has left our children held tightly in our arms. It's in these moments, these long, exhausting, short tempered moments, that we are rewarded in abundance. When we finally realize that we are here to provide a service, to nurture, well these are the moments when the love we thought we knew so much about supersedes our own expectations and understanding.
We mothers travel to the moon and beyond fueled by this love in search of whatever thing may distract our poor little sickies from feeling the way they feel. We pull out all the stops, bringing out the special treats and going the extra mile. We work hard to bring smiles to those lifeless eyes, to lift their heavy hearts, to make sure they feel taken care of. We disregard the comments and reviews given by other moms and pull out the colored bubbles, making even this sad, little, lethargic chicken excited about bath time.
We find ways to distract them from moments of discomfort, listening to this same song time and time again, relishing in the stern-to-grin expressions that seemed to transformed right before our eyes.
We bend our own rules and make exceptions, utilizing a bubble machine bought for this little two year old's birthday party. Hearing to loud and enthusiastic chant of 'bubble, bubble, bubble' left us confident that progress was being made.
We make soups to nourish and revive, sprinkling a little bit of care, a dash of hope, and a couple extra heaps of love.
We allow them to take ownership of our beds, knowing that a little extra snuggles could potentially mean a lot of extra sleep. Well at least that's the way I think of it.
We'd travel to the ends of the Earth if it meant our children would be well. That's a mother's love.
By the way, Lola is feeling much better. I'm happy to report that after a week of being under the weather, my little spice muffin is back!
Happy Friday!!!
And the moment that little body comes out and into the world, something happens. It's as if we've spent the last however many years of our lives senseless, numb to the beautiful world that surrounds us. Our ability to think and feel become heightened. We become more loving, more caring, and more compassionate. We become better women. This whole new kind of love shines brightly, getting us through those late night feedings, those sleepless nights when silence seems so loud, and the days when sickness has left our children held tightly in our arms. It's in these moments, these long, exhausting, short tempered moments, that we are rewarded in abundance. When we finally realize that we are here to provide a service, to nurture, well these are the moments when the love we thought we knew so much about supersedes our own expectations and understanding.
We mothers travel to the moon and beyond fueled by this love in search of whatever thing may distract our poor little sickies from feeling the way they feel. We pull out all the stops, bringing out the special treats and going the extra mile. We work hard to bring smiles to those lifeless eyes, to lift their heavy hearts, to make sure they feel taken care of. We disregard the comments and reviews given by other moms and pull out the colored bubbles, making even this sad, little, lethargic chicken excited about bath time.
3 comments:
Aw what a sweet post and SO true! You are such a giving mom...Lola is so blessed to have you. Love the hat she is wearing in that last photo...where did you get it?
So glad she's feeling better! Lovely post, dear.
what a lucky girl to have a mommy so loving as you! she is beautiful!
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