“Being a full-time mother is one of the highest salaried jobs…since the payment is pure love.”
Mildred B. Vermont
Pip told me that I was ‘the greatest of love’ when I was tucking her into bed. The greatest of love. How does she do it? How does this tiny person create the most tender moments of my life?
I thought the most tender moment of my life was the first time I saw her face. Then one day Pip smiled at me. Next came the day she said “Mama” for the first time. Soon she was saying, “I love you Mama,” and now she articulates her love in unique and profound ways. She continually gifts me with pure sweetness.
When I see new mothers in love with their newborn babies I think to myself, “Just you wait…you have no idea how much beauty is in store for you.”
I wonder if mothers of older children think the same way when they see me with my girls… or do they think, “Cherish these times, you’re not always going to be their number one person!”
I remember going to see Barbara Coloroso speak to an auditorium full of teachers and parents. She was talking about teenagers and said, “If your fifteen-year-old tells you that she hates you, you’re probably doing a great job of parenting.”
Is that what we have to look forward to? Maybe. That’s when I’ll have to look back at these posts and re-live the moment that my daughter told me I was the greatest of love.
Often after one of my teenage daughters would tell me they hate me they would show me that they appreciate and love me. It’s there, we just have to look harder when they’re older.
How lovely, Maureen. Thanks for writing.
beautiful.
i have moments like these when ruthie takes my face in her soft hands, looks me deep in the eyes, and says, “mommy – you’re my best friend”.
Karen – your thoughts here everyday have become a wonderful place to re-group as a mom and look forward to the moment ruthie runs into my arms at the end of the day 🙂
thank you so much.
Thank you Bethany. I have a sweet picture in my mind of Ruthie running into your arms. Why do we stop running into people’s arms? So cool.
The best part of being a parent is when you are witness and a part of each stage of your childs life. I never had a favorite time and always lived in the present. Right now is my favorite time..and always has been. When as a young Mom, someone my present age would stop and smile at one of you, I thought that woman might be wishing she were young once more and just starting to experience what it was like to be a parent. Now, it’s myself smiling at the young children and I’m here to tell you, I don’t wish to be there again because I’m enjoying what I have now. And grandchildren? They are the icing on the cake of life.
Such a sweet pip pic:)
Does anyone else have a Virgo for a child?
My daughter, almost 3 years, says to me, “Mommy I’m too busy right now to kiss you”. When I say to her, “Oh we are never too busy to love those dearest to us”, Carly looks up at me says, “Ummm, well right now my cars need me to love them”.
At least something gettin’ her love 🙂
Thanks for sharing your beautiful stories and life Karen – it always makes me smile, pause and give thanks.
Karen: love your pic of Pip – she is changing and growing so quickly. Looking forward to having some fun with her next weekend.
Lucky cars!!! You make me smile Wendy. Thanks for the sweet comments and consistent support. I’m a lucky lady.