Motherhood

Being a mother is my most cherished accomplishment. I have made so many mistakes. I have failed my children, sometimes when I was doing what I thought was right and sometimes because I was being selfish and stubborn. I look at my four children and just swell with pride as to the good humans they are despite my many failures.

Whether it's one child remaining true to herself when those around her are conforming to the world and just thriving with humor and dignity no matter what she does, or whether it's one who has suffered through heartache and betrayal again to be in the right place at the right time to receive accolades for just being who he is and to keep putting one foot in front of the other toward his future, or whether it's one who loves her husband and little boy and future baby so very much and has stood her ground to be the best wife and mom she can be, or whether it's one who daily faces his fears and weaknesses and anxieties with integrity and dignity and makes them his strengths. These four are all completely different but so much the same in that they have made me who I am.

I thank God for loving me and trusting me enough to give me these children to love and to love me back.

And then there is this little guy who just lights up our lives. He is funny and willful and smart and sweet.

In these times of overreaching opinions and anger and criticism and discontent, I just choose to focus on loving these whom God has entrusted me. Being their mom and nana is all I need.