Because Some Things Are More Important Than Money
Posted on | April 23, 2008 |
Last night I got all snarky with The Daughter. She’d committed the grievous sin of losing two grocery receipts for shopping she’d done at my request and for which she needed reimbursement.
Even while I was being the Wicked Witch, I knew I was blowing things out of proportion. I had a million excuses — I was tired, I was in pain, I was hungry, she should have known better….
It wasn’t until this morning that I realized what the real problem was. I’m scared.
The Daughter is growing up. She’s finishing up her sophomore year in high school. In two short years, she’ll be finishing up her senior year and finalizing plans for leaving home and going off to college. I have no illusions that she’ll ever come back. Oh, sure, she’ll come home for a holiday or two. Maybe even for a summer or two during college. But she’s not the type to ever move back home. She’s ready. She’s chomping on the bit. And that’s scary.
Now that I know what’s been bugging me lately, it’s easier to not let it fester and manifest in a snarky-witchy-you’ll-never-be-good-enough-so-let-me-harp-on-you-and-make-you-a-better-person mama manner.
Once I realized what the issue was, I knew I had to make things right. And I needed to do it right away. So at about noon today I sent The Daughter the following text message:
Sorry I went off on you about the receipts. You’re a great kid. You’re responsible and trustworthy. I love you with all my heart.
If age and experience have taught me anything, they’re taught me to understand how incredibly fragile life is, how strong and contagious love can be, and how some things are way more important than money.
So, to The Son and The Daughter — I want you to know that I love you both with my whole heart. I love you more than life itself. Being your mom has been the most incredible and rewarding experience of my life – light years beyond anything I could have imagined. Just yesterday I was wiping drippy noses and dirty bottoms and singing “Itsy Bitsy Spider.” Tomorrow you’ll be all grown up and on your own. My most fervent hope is that someday you, too, will learn that some things are way more important than money.
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April 23rd, 2008 @ 6:33 am
Spoken as only a mother can.
I lost my mother recently and I assure you the Son and Daughter wll never ever forget the kindness you would have shown them.
I pray for God to look after my mother just like she looked after me when I was a child.
Best regards
April 23rd, 2008 @ 11:05 am
I’m sorry for your loss, fathersez. I cannot imagine losing my mother — she’s one of my best friends.
I know that society would still have us think otherwise, but I’d have to guess that most fathers feel the same way about their children that we women do. Unfortunately, my own father was an exception. My husband doesn’t express it the same way I do, but I know that his children are his life.
Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to comment.