Monday, September 8, 2008

the perfect mother

Our days together are long. Frustrating. Hard.

I run out of patience. I say things I later regret.

I don't spend enough time praising the good. Living in the moment.

Yes, of course, there is love and joy and laughter. I hope this is what you will remember when you look back on your childhood, but I have no way of knowing.

What you don't know, what you have no way of knowing, is that long after you are asleep I come into your room. I brush your hair from your face and straighten your covers. I listen to you breathe. I admire your beauty, your sweetness, your innocence. I kiss you and whisper I love you. My heart over flows with love for you and joy that I am your mother.

If you happen to cry out in the dark, I am there to comfort, to sooth, to whisper again that I love you and it will be okay.

I am the perfect mother.

If only I could be this perfect mother during the daylight hours too.
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10 comments:

  1. AmandaSeptember 8, 2008 at 10:45 PM

    They will remember their own versions of perfection and imperfection. Just love them, and you.

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  2. MissySeptember 8, 2008 at 10:51 PM

    It is much, much easier to be that perfect mother while they are sleeping, so innocent and sweet. No whining, crying, not listening, tattling on siblings...
    I am still sure you are an excellent mother though, even during the daytime. :)

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  3. AmySeptember 9, 2008 at 9:31 AM

    Don't be so hard on yourself - not everyone is a day person! lol Seriously nights are easier - you are doing great!

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  4. IreneSeptember 9, 2008 at 9:44 AM

    Oh I know exactly how you feel. I can be ready to lose it with my kiddos during the day, but it all is immediately forgotten when I go check on them at night.

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  5. SusanSeptember 9, 2008 at 11:07 AM

    Hugs to you. Because my bet is that every mom feels the same way, at times. Whether they admit it or not.

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  6. KatSeptember 9, 2008 at 2:20 PM

    Beautiful.

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  7. UnknownSeptember 9, 2008 at 4:41 PM

    Can't we all relate? Everyone seems to be a lot more peaceful when the kiddos are asleep! ; )

    Pretty post.

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  8. amandaSeptember 9, 2008 at 4:55 PM

    oh so true friend.

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  9. MomisodesSeptember 9, 2008 at 10:21 PM

    Oh so sweet and true. I can relate in every way. If only the day can be as peaceful as the night sometimes.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Kelli @ writing the wavesSeptember 12, 2008 at 2:03 PM

    I'm teary-eyed. I totally understand how you feel.

    ReplyDelete

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