Thursday, May 14, 2009

Mother's Day







Well, it took all week to find the time to write this post. I have thought about it all week. It started Sunday and hasn't stopped all week. I just have not taken the time to write it (maybe I have just now completely processed it).






It all started with the preacher saying he knows that some women sitting in church on Mother's Day absolutely dread that day. He then said all women are that mother figure to someone. This brings up so many hard memories for me. I can remember praying, crying, begging for God to give me a baby. I grieved on Mother's Day like no other. I know I should have been thankful for my mom and I am so thankful for my mom. But you see, I wanted to be that mom for someone else and for some reason God wasn't ready for me to be that yet. Yes, it is true. I teach school. I have been a mom to many children. Before Darin and I had children, I always had someone else's child with me. I pray I made the difference I was supposed to for those children. BUT holding your own child is something I longed for and wanted. I remember the morning I found out I was pregnant. Darin made me take 3 pregnancy tests before he let me get my hopes up. I had taken so many and none were positive before, but we didn't want to believe until we were for sure. I laugh at the memory of our first doctor's appointment when the doctor came in and gave me all my new literature and Darin asked if he was sure I was pregnant! Now my boy is almost ten.He had a shaky start with NICU and all, but he is as healthy as they come. Kailyn has been another story. She came along much easier. I did take a false negative, then took another a week later and it was positive. We just had many surprises along the way- my high blood pressure that ended up being toxemia and meant a magnesium drip during labor to assure my blood pressure did not rise. Talk about nausea. I threw up and she came out, literally. I laugh and say she is probably the only child who can say her mom threw her up! It took us two miraculous years for her to become completely healthy. I look at her and can't help but use the word miracle!!! So as I sat there Sunday, I felt so blessed to have my beautiful, healthy children.






Then, of course, I look at my mother and think how blessed I am. I have the kind of mother that loves unconditionally and gives up her time for both her children and grandchildren. What an example she is! My children have the best Nana. I feel so lucky to have her. I can't even begin to count the times she has dropped things to come and help us out.






My grandma is another precious example of love. She has been there for us through so much I can't even count the ways!






I have had some good examples!!!






My mother- in-law is another great example. Talk about a woman who loves her children and grandchildren. She is there for all of us in so many ways.






So, on this Mother's Day week, I am thankful for my children, my family, and all of the women in my life that have shown me how to mother by example.