At 68 I still miss their voices, their laughter, their wisdom, their glances at each other, no words needed. Even their imperfections ! Love was not a word thrown around casually in our house.
I had an aunt who made each of her 30 nieces and nephews feel like they were her favorite.
This article profoundly resonated with me. My mother was not mothered well and it showed in how she was with me. She was unable to give much love or attention to me. I never remember a time of walking hand in hand or sitting in her lap, or with my father either. When I had my one and only child, I attempted to give him all I never received, It was draining, especially because I tried so hard. Believe me, I failed often. Later, I became the step-mom of three children, ages 11,13, and 15. To say I was overwhelmed would be an understatement. Fortunately, they were not the typical step-children. God knew I wasn't equipped for that level of challenge. Also, I so understand grieving what you never had more than who you lost. Thank you for your transparency.
Thank you for your compassionate words. I know you empathize. As the years passed, I realized my mother and her mother had never experienced the tenderness they needed. Through Bible based studies over the years, God has healed me in a way only He could. I'm closer to Him because of what I experienced, showing once again how He can turn our hardships for good.
They say we parent from our lack...I have three children, all grown and all extremely different. I was taken away from my mother when I was 4, deserted by my father at 5, foster homes and adopted at 10. That mother told me if I really loved her I would...I still have a chipped tooth where she slapped me in the face. I swore I would never strike my children with my hands, but boy would they run if they saw that wooden spoon! Three of my children are in heaven, but the three on earth are very special people in spite of me and due to lots of prayer, tears and laughter. I was the mom who played in the mud, woke them up for thunderstorms, and took in their friends when they were in trouble. Now they know I wasn't perfect but I did the best I could with what I had at the time and my goal was to love God and them.
At 68 I still miss their voices, their laughter, their wisdom, their glances at each other, no words needed. Even their imperfections ! Love was not a word thrown around casually in our house.
I had an aunt who made each of her 30 nieces and nephews feel like they were her favorite.
Love does not have to be perfect- just true.
Love that you have those amazing memories!
This article profoundly resonated with me. My mother was not mothered well and it showed in how she was with me. She was unable to give much love or attention to me. I never remember a time of walking hand in hand or sitting in her lap, or with my father either. When I had my one and only child, I attempted to give him all I never received, It was draining, especially because I tried so hard. Believe me, I failed often. Later, I became the step-mom of three children, ages 11,13, and 15. To say I was overwhelmed would be an understatement. Fortunately, they were not the typical step-children. God knew I wasn't equipped for that level of challenge. Also, I so understand grieving what you never had more than who you lost. Thank you for your transparency.
Oh I'm so sorry you were not mothered well. It's such a huge wound!
Thank you for your compassionate words. I know you empathize. As the years passed, I realized my mother and her mother had never experienced the tenderness they needed. Through Bible based studies over the years, God has healed me in a way only He could. I'm closer to Him because of what I experienced, showing once again how He can turn our hardships for good.
They say we parent from our lack...I have three children, all grown and all extremely different. I was taken away from my mother when I was 4, deserted by my father at 5, foster homes and adopted at 10. That mother told me if I really loved her I would...I still have a chipped tooth where she slapped me in the face. I swore I would never strike my children with my hands, but boy would they run if they saw that wooden spoon! Three of my children are in heaven, but the three on earth are very special people in spite of me and due to lots of prayer, tears and laughter. I was the mom who played in the mud, woke them up for thunderstorms, and took in their friends when they were in trouble. Now they know I wasn't perfect but I did the best I could with what I had at the time and my goal was to love God and them.
Sounds like you loved them well!
So beautifully said, Mary.
I remember often thanking Jesus that he blessed my mothering efforts in spite of me!
Yes to that.