Raising children is one of the most challenging yet rewarding jobs ever. It’s a beautiful combination of love, joy and some pain along the way. Am I right, mamas and papas?

Talks with Kids

My kids are always surprising me with the things they say and do. I learn so much from them everyday. In our home, we try to keep an open line of communication. No topic is off limits. We hope and pray that continues through the years and that they know we will always be there for them.

Death and Dying

One night while eating dinner, the subject of death came up (GULP!😨). I started to internally panic. Kept thinking, “Where’s your dad when I need him??!!”😂 .

I took several deep breaths and braced myself for THE questions. I felt anxious at the thought of their curiosity and how I would respond. Not sure why I panicked but I did.

Heaven Visions

The questions came one after another. I kept my answers short, brief and answered them the best that I could. I listened to them talk about their great grandmother and how much they missed her. I also listened to their humorous ideas of heaven.

According to them, heaven has no rules, no homework, and candy shops everywhere! Haha! After several minutes of funny heaven talk my middle looked at me and said something that literally paralyzed me, “Mama, Do you know what my last word would be?”

“My last word would be, Mama.”(insert ugly crying and major tears here)

How Kids View You

In that very moment, I realized that my role as a mother is truly an incredible one. Even though there are days I feel so worn down, can’t take another person whining, even after all the time outs, all the “No’s”, and all the “I am counting to 3!”(yes, I have officially turned into my parents 🙊) my role is one that leaves such an impression on their lives. I may not be perfect and I may not always do the right things but they love me the same way I love them, with all my might.

Sweet Encouragement

To all you mamas and papas reading this, keep fighting the good fight. Love your babies hard. Show them that love is UNCONDITIONAL, SELFLESS, and packed with a WHOLE lot of forgiveness and compromise. Your efforts may seem to be going unnoticed or taken for granted but they are not. I was given a beautiful and unexpected reminder and yours are on their way too.

You are a gift to your kids, as they are to you.

Much love,