I bought my first car, a Toyota Tercel, about a year after I graduated from college. I brought it home from the used car lot and parked it on the street (After all, I didn't have a parking permit for my apartment complex - yet.) I woke the next morning and walked out to my car.
Realization struck: This was my very own car. I did not have to return it to anyone. I could keep it and use it and, of course, take care of it. The realization brought with it a feeling of great pride.
The next time I experienced that "wow / whoa" feeling was when I brought my daugter - my first child - home from the hospital. The hospital stay was very sheltered. We had no schedule to keep but our own. Nurses were available to counsel when problems occurred. The experience was real, but we were in an alterate reality.
We took her home in my "first" baby, the Toyota. I rode all the way home with my new baby in the back of the car. I just couldn't leave her alone in the car seat. I carried her gingerly down the stairs into our basement apartment and sat down on our couch. Jesse took a picture of us - I was crying.
As I held her in my arms, on our couch, in our apartment, the realization struck: She was mine!!! I could love her and take care of her and watch her grow. No one else could do it for me! This realization brought not only pride but fear as well. Could I take care of her without the nurses' help? Would I be a good mom? What had I gotten myself into?!
I now have eight years worth of loving her, taking care of her, and watching her grow into a beautiful, bright girl. In spite of me, she has a blooming testimony that Jesus loves her, that Heavenly Father will answer her prayers, that the scriptures are the word of God.
I have truly been blessed by her presence in my life. She reminds me that prayer works. She reminds me to think before I reprimand so that feelings aren't too hurt afterward. She amazes me with her sharp intellect, her quickness to learn and to remember. She reminds me that it is okay to admit I'm wrong
. . . sometimes.
She inspires me to be better!Realization struck: This was my very own car. I did not have to return it to anyone. I could keep it and use it and, of course, take care of it. The realization brought with it a feeling of great pride.
The next time I experienced that "wow / whoa" feeling was when I brought my daugter - my first child - home from the hospital. The hospital stay was very sheltered. We had no schedule to keep but our own. Nurses were available to counsel when problems occurred. The experience was real, but we were in an alterate reality.
We took her home in my "first" baby, the Toyota. I rode all the way home with my new baby in the back of the car. I just couldn't leave her alone in the car seat. I carried her gingerly down the stairs into our basement apartment and sat down on our couch. Jesse took a picture of us - I was crying.
As I held her in my arms, on our couch, in our apartment, the realization struck: She was mine!!! I could love her and take care of her and watch her grow. No one else could do it for me! This realization brought not only pride but fear as well. Could I take care of her without the nurses' help? Would I be a good mom? What had I gotten myself into?!I now have eight years worth of loving her, taking care of her, and watching her grow into a beautiful, bright girl. In spite of me, she has a blooming testimony that Jesus loves her, that Heavenly Father will answer her prayers, that the scriptures are the word of God.
I have truly been blessed by her presence in my life. She reminds me that prayer works. She reminds me to think before I reprimand so that feelings aren't too hurt afterward. She amazes me with her sharp intellect, her quickness to learn and to remember. She reminds me that it is okay to admit I'm wrong
. . . sometimes.
Happy Birthday (on Thursday), Ju!
Love yer guts!
5 comments:
Oh I love this post. I love your sentiment and tender words. It is amazing how fast time flies, and how quickly children grow. Happy Birthday sweet Julie!
This is a rare and wonderful picture because Deb's crying and Baby Julie ISN'T. j/k this is a sweet post and the responsibility is very scary. I think I've messed my kids up pretty bad. But that Julie, she's something to feel good about. Love you Julie-Lou!
These blogs that make Granny Nona cry have got to stop!!! I love you both so much!
Happy Brithday Julie. Looking forward to seeing everyone next month. Thank goodness for weddings.
I can't believe Julie is 8. Wow,it is so much fun to be able to see your family grow and change. You are such amazing parents and your kids are so cute. If some day I could have the patience and parenting skills as Deb. I look up to you so much. Thanks for always keeping me updated with your blog. I love it.
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