Motherly Love

The day I became a mother for the first time, my life changed forever--drastically. I had been a very self-absorbed teenager with no desire to make a responsible decision. But on November 15, 1997 my life really began. I learned what true love really is. I discovered that perhaps the purpose of my life had more to do with others than myself. I was overwhelmed that day, and have been ever since. The love I feel for my children is immense. I make sure I tell them every day. The thought of them ever "wondering" if Mommy truly loves them, is terrifying to me. When one of them hurts in anyway, I, too, hurt.
As much as I would love to believe the bond I have with my children is unique only to us, I know that that is far from true. In fact, I am so reassured to know that there are so many of these strong mother-child relationships in a world that can sometimes be hopelessly lonely. I was so touched during a recent trip to the zoo, when I had the opportunity to witness one such relationship up close.
It wasn't a mother attentively walking her children around, explaining to them the habitats and behaviors of the different species. I was captivated by the palpable love of a mother ape and her child. In the arms of it's mother, that baby was safe and comforted. In that warm embrace, the baby knew that Momma would never let him down. The mother in turn, could never have been more content, for with her, she had her life source; the love of her child.

Locks of Love

My greatest hope for my future, is that when my children are grown I can know that they are "good people." I know that is an incredibly vague statement, but it is truly my most chief dream. I know that if a person is good at their core, and they know that about themselves, so many other things fall into place. It is a lesson that as an adult I am still learning.
Everyday I hope that some tiny little piece of wisdom or hug or realization will enter their impressionable little minds to contribute to their "goodness." With this in mind, I know and accept that flaws are necessary and to be expected. I just want my little ones to grow into the best people they can be-- whatever that may mean for each of them.
I got perhaps a glimpse of some of that character building this past February, when 11 year old Emily cut 11 1/2 inches of her prized golden hair to be donated to children who for one reason or another lost their own hair. It was a goal she had had in mind for some time, although she was becoming increasingly attached to life as a spunky tween with long blond hair. I was beginning to wonder if she would ever be able to part with it!!
Sure enough, she went through with it. The pride she had in herself for following through in her years-long plan, flooded my heart. I saw what I hope was one in a long line of selfless acts that one of my children does for another. Because of my Emily, another child's life will be a little less difficult.