What Exactly Is A Mother
Posted: Saturday, December 26, 2009
by Susan Thom
My daughter was born 24 years ago, and then a son 22 years ago, and another son, 19 years ago. From that time on, they have been everything in the world to me. I'm sure there are many who feel the same way. Once you have a child, or children, every ounce of energy, every moment of your time, is devoted to them and their needs. Each smile warms your heart, and every accomplishment brings you an immense amount of pride.
I believe I was meant to be a mother, so I went through everything three times, and have never, ever regretted doing so. I'd say the first 4 years were the most difficult. Three little ones who couldn't dress or undress themselves, tie their shoes, zip their jackets, or even reach the counter. Each had their own personality, their own interests, and their own ways of showing their discomfort.
Even with all the work involved, I was in love with them, and with being a mom. I was in awe of their appearances, and their little bodies, and taught them everything they needed to know. This included saying their ABC's, learning how to count, how to color, and how to put puzzles together. When they all were in full-time pre first, I couldn't believe what I could get accomplished until they came home.
I have to say, I missed them, but I enjoyed the peace, and not hearing "mommy" every three minutes. Going food shopping by myself was one of the seven wonders of the world. Getting them to softball and basketball practices was a chore, but sitting and watching their actual games was a pleasure. There's nothing like watching your child make a basket or hit a homerun. I loved every minute.
They grew up, and there were other situations to deal with. Some didn't make me too happy, but we managed to get through the teens, and now they are all adults. My 22 year old son is in the airforce. My 24 year old daughter is finishing bootcamp in the army, and my youngest is still trying to figure out what he wants. Nothing in their childhood compares to being in the military during times of war.
I have mini breakdowns that come out of the blue, and the tears flow. My babies are ready to be deployed whenever they are ordered to do so. I have begged God to let me know how to do this, and today, I got my answer. A little voice in my head said, "Just put your trust in me." It was like a revelation. I simply said, "Oh, okay, I will." A peaceful feeling came over me, and the tears stopped.
I was going to pray, which, of course, I will, but the actual words of "Just trust in me", seemed to give me an answer I can deal with. That's why I believe in God will all my heart and soul. He always seems to come through when I need Him most. I know this doesn't mean they will stay safe, although I'm hoping for that. It does however, mean that if I trust in Him, I'll be able to handle whatever happens.
This is very hard to deal with, but who am I not to listen to God? I asked Him how I was going to do this, and I got an answer. Now, it's up to me to listen. I need to project the life they will be able to lead when they are done, and the well paying jobs. I need to believe that this is the way for them, and push all negative thoughts aside. Dear God, please watch out for all our girls and boys, men and women, who will see tragedies, and possibly have to kill other human beings, to protect us all. Amen.
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Top-level comments on this article: (4 total)I find it difficult to respond to this. Probably because I identify with much of it. I'm fortunate that I don't have to deal with what you are going through right now. Consider my prayers added to yours for your children, and all the others who must fight our current wars.Please log in to respond to this comment.hi joyce,i appreciate the prayers.there will come a day when i will get a phone call from each of my kids, telling me they are going to be deployed.I can't fathom my children being afraid for what they will be doing.i just have to keep trusting in God, and praying.thank you for reading and responding,my best to you,suePlease log in to respond to this comment.
Good article Susan, thanks for sharing and keep your faith in God.Please log in to respond to this comment.hi david,i will listen to that voice in my head telling me to "just trust in me."however, i don't know how i'll get through, but i know i will.i have a feeling i'll be emailing you in the middle of the night often!thanks for reading and responding,my best,suePlease log in to respond to this comment.
As a parent I can appreciate the feelings of the unknown when your children are far away and in danger. My daughter didn’t go over seas to fight a war but did enter a country to help out the people there. She couldn’t see the danger, but there was a day that I woke without fear in my heart. Now my nice went to Africa to do the same. Nether place is like Afghanistan or Iraq but they both are dangerous especially for Americans. I hope and pry that all your children come home safely.Please log in to respond to this comment.hi herb,thank you for reading and responding.nothing in this world prepares a parent for their kids going off to war.it's hard to even fathom.bootcamp, i must say, really changed them for the better, and they will carry the principles and discipline with them forever, but now i want them to come home:) and whether they are helping out in another country, or fighting for our protection, the danger is the same.i wish you a very happy new year,my best,suePlease log in to respond to this comment.
I too will add your children to my prayer lists. Trusting in God always works for me even though I know I will not know the end results till it's over. I know his will is better than mine. God Bless you Sue.Please log in to respond to this comment.hi linda,i've made up my mind to trust in God, and i will stand behind that.that doesn't mean i won't worry or cry, that's only natural, but my trust will be in His hands. i appreciate the prayers- you can never have enough, in my opinion.thank you for reading and commenting, i appreciate it,my best to you,suePlease log in to respond to this comment.
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