Kids are Kids

No matter what background, tweens are tweens. Parents can be a pain to them in their eyes. Whining needs to be nipped in the bud when it happens, and it does happen. Sassy talk, as well. Kids are kids. We look for the goodness and correct what is inappropriate as soon as it occurs. And it occurs. To be a parent is a gift we asked to have the opportunity to be. It is a privilege. It is not easy. There is no "hey, thanks for being my mom and dad." To get to that level is an even greater gift, one that means we were able to go above and beyond and it means, more so, that the soul of our child was open to going beyond herself. We have empathy for what our fellow parents are going through. None of us are alone. Complicated by language and limits on expression, we join in sharing a unique way of dealing with what seems to be human nature. A daily reminder, maybe even hourly reminder, of how grateful it is to have the opportunity to do what we are able to do and have a family, which we have not had for 23 years, helps keep it all in perspective. For the first time in 21 years, I desperately, I mean really desperately, wanted to talk to my mother. Somehow, being a mom makes you want your own mom more than ever. Thank goodness for good friends who offer hugs and support, advice and counsel. And for doctors and nurses who are caring and open and provide goodness and love as well. It takes a community for sure!