Yep. Those are my boys. I was pretty sure I would never post pics of them here, but really, they are the spark for all my deepest thoughts. I don’t think I’m going out on a limb here when I say we all love our kids. Adore them, even. We give them everything. We love them unconditionally and constantly fight our instincts to protect them from everything. Every. Little. Thing. We willingly offer up our time, our money, our bodies, our thoughts, our sleep. We pass on to them our morals, values, religions, traditions, habits, neuroses. We offer encouragement, admonishment, praise. We give of ourselves and work diligently to acquire that which we may not already have for them. My love for my children seems boundless and even overwhelming at times. They are the recipients of our affection: I kiss them in the morning, at school drop off, at school pick up and before bed. (yes, that’s at least 4 times a day. yes, I realize it may not last forever. That’s why I’m doing it NOW and sharing with you. I run on a 4-kiss minimum. That is daily and per child.) And even when I’m pissed off at them (it happens), they get my energy. They are in my thoughts and prayers, even. And you all know how I wobble around that prayer thing.
Parents cannot, however, give their babies a lifetime, good-health guarantee. Though we can guide them, their overall health is completely out of our control. It seems unfair, doesn’t it? Really, what else do your kids NEED? Money? Nope. An education? Helpful, but not necessary. Family? My family is as important to me as my health, so bias clouds my judgement. I would argue that good health may trump even family when we are thinking about need; of course, if your health falters, you need family. But good health is a blessing that I am sure most people take for granted. I know I did. And to be honest, I remind myself every day not to take my crappy health for granted! Having a sappy day, I guess, since I just read about Dylan, a Mass. student defies heart woes to enjoy baseball. Read his story and then go hug your kids/spouse/parents/siblings/dog just because you can with your good health. My heart goes at to him and his family and the thousands of other big-hearted folks out there. Dylan, I get it. Really, I do. Keep on keeping on.
bigheartedmom 