Remembering The Important Things In Life

Recently our family has gone through some terrible times. We lost our son in December and then just 3 weeks later I lost my mother to cancer. Throughout this period, I’ve had a lot of time to think about what is truly important. I can’t say it’s been an easy journey but it has been one that shows me what things I am doing right and where I may need to make some changes.

Sitting beside my mother, talking to her and holding her hand, I had so much time to think of my own children. I thought about what kind of mother I was. My own mother was a good mom, I suppose. She did the things a mom should do… she took us to our sporting events in grade school, made cupcakes for our classrooms, and occasionally played a game or two with us. She did all those typical things we expect of our mothers. Still, looking back I know I missed out on something.

I began to question what kinds of memories my own children will have when they are grown and have children of their own. I took a look at what we are doing as parents and asked myself, “Is it enough?” Will our children look back on their childhood and be happy with how we lived and what they experienced, not just in homeschooling or with their friends, but with me as their mother?

I looked at my life and thought to myself that I don’t want my kids to just remember me as an “okay mom” but as one who was entrenched in their lives and helped make living fun and exciting and always made them feel special and loved. Sure there will be days where I have to say no or I have to be “the bad guy” but I don’t want my kids to only think of those days. I want them to think about the days we played and laughed and loved. I want those days to be so numerous that they are at the forefront of their minds.

I made a pact with myself that sometimes the work can wait. I’m going to play games and sing and roll down the hill in the grass with my kids. I’m going to bake cookies for dinner sometime and plan to have a pajama day. I’m going to cuddle when I’m tired and whisper in their ears why they are so special to me. We’re going to find ways to have fun as a family that will be forever ingrained in their memories. Learning math and reading and spelling is very important but not the most important thing. When my children look back I want them to say, “I learned all I know about laughing and about loving from my mother.” After all, to me, those truly are the most important things in life.

So stop for a moment and cherish your children. Remember the wonderful things about them that you love. Share with them how special they are. Make memories with them that will last them a lifetime.

Michelle is the mother of 9 amazing children. She relies heavily on her faith to help her through all the ups and downs of life. You can catch a glimpse into her life at Pass The Flu Bug Please. Stop by and say hello!

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