Hugging seems to help. When I find that I have allowed myself to be dragged into the childish drama, when I realize that I am arguing fiercely with an eight year old, when I just want to vent and scream, I remember: I am the grown up. And I stop. And I hug that impossible little girl for as long as it takes my blood pressure to regulate. Then I say, "I'm sorry." and "I love you." Because I am the grown up, and I am the one who is supposed to remember and understand how difficult and awkward growing up is. I am the one who is supposed to be compassionate when the drama erupts. I am the one who is supposed to set a good example. I am not perfect, but I am getting pretty good at hugging and saying, "I'm sorry... I'm sorry I got frustrated and raised my voice. I'm sorry you had to learn a hard lesson today. I'm sorry that you don't have a perfect mother, but God put us together for a reason."
Who knows why Emma and I butt heads so regularly? Why does it bother me so that her hair is always in her face or that she is constantly forgetting or losing things? I am guessing that she and I have a lot to learn from each other. Just like that boyfriend who was tons of fun one minute and then aggravating as snot the next, a day with Emma is both the best and worst of times. Unlike that old flame however, she is stuck with me for good, and I wouldn't have it any other way... Let's keep hugging until I can say that with even more confidence.
"A daughter is a little girl who grows up to be a friend." -Author Unknown
p.s. Thanks to Molly Cook Photography for these fab pics of my beautiful Emma.
p.p.s Thanks for allowing this mom to be so honest.
1 comment:
Okay, this one made me tear up:) Love this post!
Post a Comment