"Mom, will you please stay in the waiting room? Promise you won't go?"
"Mom, will you make me scrambled eggs and a milkshake with fresh strawberries when we get home?"
"Mom, can you bring me the bag of frozen corn to put on my cheek?"
"Mom, I'm hungry again. Could I have another milkshake?"
"Mom, please come upstairs!! I feel like I'm going to be sick. I feel so nauseous."
"Mom, please don't go. I still don't feel well."
"Mom, is it time for one of my pain medicines or my antibiotics?"
"Mom, what about pieroghis for dinner? They're pretty soft."
"Mom, will you watch a movie with me?"
When both of our daughters lived at home, and requests such as the above seemed to be frequent, there were times I felt annoyed, and tried to instill more independence in both of them. But my youngest was home yesterday for her spring break, and unlike some of her friends who were headed to warmer climates, she came home to have gum surgery. I spent the entire day with her yesterday, just being a mom -- taking her to the procedure and making sure she was cared for all day. And after having both girls gone from our home, I realized how much I loved being a mom and taking care of my babies.
What a joy yesterday was. It made me realize how incredibly fleeting time is, and I held each one of those requests near and dear to my heart because one of my babies needed me. It was made even better last night, when before she went to bed, she said:
"Thanks for taking care of me, Mom."
Thanks to Ruth and Stacey for hosting us again for the Slice of Life Challenge. Head on over there to find out what other "slicers" have to say each and every day. I love hearing the behind scenes thinking and stories from so very many of you. I look forward to being part of the community again this March.
My goal is to write and post every day, but in the spirit of being kind to oneself, I'm also giving myself permission to post at least 5 days a week, depending on what is happening in my life. Happy slicing to all!!
Love this. I am in the middle of the "mom" phase right now but am well aware that one day I'll miss this. Glad you got to take care of your daughter yesterday.
ReplyDeleteI'm in the middle of "mom," too, but I'm close enough I can see the empty house coming. I'm at times dreading and looking forward to it. Thanks for the reminder to enjoy each moment as they come.
ReplyDeleteI love this! My boys are moving into the more independent stage - and it is glorious - but I know that I'll miss how much they needed me when they were smaller.
ReplyDeleteOh, I know exactly what you mean. My 'kids' are all grown up too, and yet every now and then they need their mom - a bad day, a big decision . . . And I'm more than happy to fill the need. I think that once a mom, always a mom. I'm so glad you were able to spend the day with your daughter.
ReplyDeleteMy kids are grown, but I was lucky enough to have my daughter in town recently when I took a tumble in my classroom. It was a pleasure to be on the receiving end. She took such good care of me!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the reminder, friend, that my current crazy days filled with far too many activities for kids will be over far too soon. You are a wonderful Mom!!
ReplyDeleteKaren,
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful post. Like you, my mom days are dwindling as the kids are setting off on their own journeys. Last night Cassie came home late from work. She asked me to fix her some macaroni and cheese. Laughing, I asked my seventeen year old, "Why was it when you were 10 you wouldn't let me do anything for you? You wanted to do everything for yourself. Now that you're 17 you want me to do everything." She laughed. Maybe, just maybe, she's trying to hold on too. I have a feeling your daughter enjoyed the time as much as you did.
Cathy
I can't even imagine having grown girls, though I know I'll blink and it'll happen. Right now I can't believe I have a middle schooler who can babysit her little sister!
ReplyDeleteSo glad to hear they still come back and need you to help and care for them. I can't imagine one of my girls not being here but know the time is coming, quicker than I wish. I always appreciate hearing your stories, mentoring my own journey with daughters.
ReplyDeleteI love that she thanked you. Those words will melt your heart and you'll do anything for those babies. Thanks for allowing me to see my future!
ReplyDeleteLike you, I love, love, love being mom, ok, well maybe everything but the nauseous part! Keep thinking that maybe I will go find myself a couple of more kiddos. I am just not ready to be finished with the mom stuff!
ReplyDeleteI just had gum surgery over Christmas break and I feel the same way about my mom. Thanks for the reminder to of how much my mom does for me--something to always be grateful for.
ReplyDeleteselfgoodday.com
I loved hearing about this special day of being needed, but want to tell you it doesn't exactly stop. Just the needs are different. Ever special, whatever the time with our kids, though.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you wrote this today. I like being reminded of how great it is to be a mom who meets demands and that someday I just may miss it. I'm glad you're writing this month & I"m glad you are giving yourself some grace.
ReplyDeleteRuth
Aww, that is so great that she shared that with you! You were an angel to her-as moms so often are...right there just when needed the most!
ReplyDeleteI can so relate to your post. All 3 of my children are on their own and I sure do miss them. Tiem certainly is fleeting. Phone calls and emails are not quite the same but I do treasure those moments.
ReplyDeleteLovely post!