To Help A Child....

Parenthood can be intimidating, even to the most seasoned. You can sometimes feel you’re the only person in the world going through the highs and lows of parenthood… Sometimes your “right on,” other times it is like your sailing the high seas without a compass or a life jacket. A hodgepodge of highs and lows... laughter and tears.  

I guess that is one of the reasons I wanted to start writing this Blog for the NortonPatch. Writing gives me an opportunity to reach out to the virtual world of mothers and fathers and share my thoughts and expressions. Maybe I can even let others know what I have experienced and what I am currently attempting to do as the  matriarchal figure of a family of six. Writing helps me think about my ever changing and growing role… where I fit in to my little creations lives…  and what I hope that they will hopefully someday learn  from their mom's thoughts about life.

Mothers are  an incredible source of support and encouragement – (We are not perfect though!)  I sometimes fear that the things I learn upon this journey might be forgotten by the time my children have grown. So I write them down as much as possible. Funny,  I found that it was well after my teenage years that I needed and wanted to hear my mom’s wisdom.  My mom is one of my favorite spirits… My Father , after 39 years of marriage still adores her. She is a lover of life, a fighter of what is good and is a really unique human being. I have met few like her... 

Anyways, I have encouraged my husband to start writing his thoughts and ideas down about life. My husband is a loving, proud and honest man. He is a natural with kids. His role in our family goes beyond words. I doubt he actually realizes how much weight his presence has in all our lives. I have heard it said time and time again that son’s need the fathers… I completely agree. Guys understand each other. My husband is very insightful into my boys “ways”  and often is my voice of reason when it comes to remaining patient with my sons…. They have no idea that some days it is because of their dad’s quiet behind the scenes intervention that they still remain on this planet!!!

I think, however,  that girls are sometimes forgotten in that equation. My daughters look to my husband just as much as my boys do - for approval,  guidance, wisdom and love. Funny, they look to their grandfathers just as often, for that acknowledgement and special treatment. I love watching my dad and my father-in-law hug my girls – the boys get a hug and a pat or a noogie on the top of the head… but these grown men melt and laugh when the girls come running in and wrap their arms around their grandfathers necks…These grown men always appear slightly surprised to receive such accolades… I guess it is no slight thing to be loved by those so fresh from God.  It is a very special and tender moment for me.  One of my favorite things to watch.

Thinking about my dad fills me with great emotion. My dad was and still is this calm beacon of love and light.  My dad is a warrior of peace. He is a survivor. My dad is a quiet man filled with great talent. He – to this day – feels he missed out on our childhood because he worked multiple jobs in order to kepp my mom home to raise me and my little sister. Funny thing is, I cannot recall him not being there... ever. My dad throughout his life has given me countless gifts. I am not talking about jewelry or store bought merchandise. I am talking about irreplaceable gifts from his heart, his character and his spirit. My father has given me the gift of a quiet reflection,  he has taught me to love unconditionally, to think before I speak (is still a challenge for me) and the greatest gift a parent can give a child – My dad has taught me the true meaning of faith. My father has a relationship with God that I can only hope to know one day before I leave this incredible place – A faith so pure, so simple and so devout -  I find myself to be without words…..

Happy Father’s Day on Sunday. To all you men out there who have made a difference in the life of a child..  Gracious are we who know and have known you....

Please remember.. Your sacrifice and devotion does not go unnoticed......

"A man never stands as tall…As when he kneels to help a child." 

 (The Knights of Pythagoras)