I was so moved by your comments yesterday about what makes your child sparkle. Many of you know your kids so well. You see their soul - and their gifts - shining out.
But sometimes I know it isn't so easy. Plenty of you didn't comment (some because you don't comment as a rule, but others I suspect because that question was really hard.) Sometimes it's hard to see their gifts.
I acknowledge this to give you clearance to say "I don't really know what my child's sparkle is. Right now it's just hard." Because sometimes it's like that. I've been there. Really. I remember the first time I asked myself that question and I drew nothing but a blank.
But now? I get them. I see them. I feel them. You will too. With time. Find patience for yourself and your child. It will come.
For those of you who struggled with seeing your child's gifts, start watching. Be aware of the moments that make you smile more than the ones that make your grimace. Ask your partner. Your parents. Their friends. And soon a lovely picture of your child will start to emerge.
And sometimes seeing them from this new, appreciative vantage point will change the course of your day. Maybe even your relationship. It wouldn't hurt to do the same thing for yourself too. Becuase seeing yourself from a place of love and appreciation tends to spill over into how you see those around you.
I realized that I didn't participate in yesterday's kid-love-fest. So here I am with my contribution. Because I do so want to participate. In so many ways I think motherhood changed everything, and these two are where that transformation happened for me.
Mister Sage. You are funny. Sharp. Wise beyond your years. You are my Sage in so many ways. You are also a study in contrast - quiet and rowdy, sensitive and oblivious, innocence and mischief. You are aware of the subtle energy around us, imperceptible by most. You feel. So much. And I honor that.
You taught me how to mother. You transformed me.
And Lupine, I am crazy about you in so many ways. Determined and strong, you know where you are going. I have no doubts you will get exactly where you choose to be. You are sweet and kind and nurturing, aware of the feelings of all who surround you. You are drawn to beauty and distracted by faeries and magic and light. You are stardust. I can see your magic as you move through the room. I think we all can.
You sparkle. Constantly.
Thank you both for choosing me. For choosing us. To be your family. We came together to learn and grow, challenge and be challenged, to transform and evolve. I'm up for that challenge. I embrace it.
I respect you. I like you. I love you. I trust you. I am your mama, and you will always occupy most of the space in my heart.
