Cherish
My daughter is turning 3 in two days!!!!!!!
I still cannot believe how fast the time has gone by. It's like I blinked and here she is, this little person, with her own thoughts, opinions, likes, dislikes and full of love.
I had a conversation with a woman in Wal-Mart last week that has been on my mind. She was a young mother who seemingly had it all together. While we were talking, her youngest wanted to be picked up and kept saying "hug me Mommy, hug me". She just shushed her and kept up the conversation. This went on for a few minutes and I finally told her that I certainly wouldn't be able to resist a plea for hugs from such a cutie. She said that she had given her hugs when she got up this morning and she was fine. We kept talking and I learned that she had a total of 4 children, had gotten married when she was 24 and always knew she was going to be a mother. She then tells me that "I may not be a good Mom, but I am great at being pregnant and having kids. We think we may have a couple more, but I hardly have time for the ones I already have." I was speechless!!!
I also was 24 when I got married but it was almost 11 years later before Emma was born. The long wait was not by choice. We struggled with infertility like so many other couples today. I am so blessed to have her in my life and I feel blessed because she is. I don't know if mothers that are able to easily get pregnant just take it for granted that they are a Mom and God has given them this little person to love and care for, but I know that there are days I feel like I am living a wonderful dream and I worry that I will wake up and it will be just that – a dream. So when Emma tells me she wants a hug – she gets one. Emma wants to be cuddled, and then if it is physically possible at the time – I do it!
I am not trying to put anyone down who is able to think about having a child and boom – they are pregnant, but I feel like sometimes people forget that not everyone is like that. We tried for 8 years to get pregnant and Emma is going to be 3 in just a couple of days and she is still the only one. Again, not by choice. I guess I am trying to make a couple of points: One is to think before you speak, especially if you don't know the person – you have no way of knowing what they are struggling with. Second – don't take your children for granted. They are a gift. An amazingly, beautiful, blessed gift from God. And lastly, cherish your children. If they want a hug from you – stop and give them one.
Psalms 127:3 Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord
James 1:17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of Lights..
Enough of me being on my soap box – but it has been on my mind for days now. Hey – did I mention that Emmaline is turning 3 on Thursday – YIKES!!! 
My little princess
9 comments:
Yuck...she sure sounds like a horrible person. I find it shocking sometimes the things people will say to complete strangers. I'm sorry that's been bugging you.
I can't imagine the heartbreak and stress of infertility. I'm so happy for you and DH that you were finally blessed with such a little miracle. Happy 3rd Birthday Emma!
I can't believe that soon I'll be planning Jackson's first birthday already. Time flies way too fast. I certainly don't ever take him for granted. I'm pretty sure he gets more hugs and kisses than he wants too. Oh well, at least he can't complain about them yet. HaHa! ;)
3 years old, where does the time go. I will keep you in my prayers that God will place another child in your arms when he feels that the time is right. I love you and you are a wonderful mom and Emma is lucky to have you.
I'm so glad you shared this experience with us. I appreciate the reminder not to take our precious gifts for granted.
God puts people and conversations in our lives for a reason. I'm sure you impacted her life in some way--just as she did yours. I'd like to think that when she got out to her car she hugged and hugged her little cuties just like you suggested.
I can't wait for Zoe to wake up so I can squeeze her tight!
Emma..... turning 3! How did that happen?
When my children were little, people would tell me, "They grow up so fast, so cherish every moment." I really took it to heart and I tried to make the most of every little moment and savor every little thing. But, as much as I tried, they still grew up faster than I wanted. I don't know if I thought by cherishing every little thing I thought I would slow down their aging process. Thank you for the reminder to hug them. At 13 and 11, they still need the hugs just as much, but they're not always as huggable as they were when I could scoop them up in my arms.
Thanks for that story and reminder. I don't think all women who have easily gotten pregnant take their children or pregnancy for granted. I am one of them, and I am reminded daily that we are very lucky and blessed, and I hug my little one every single moment and tell her I love her like it is going out of style. I think it is more of how you view being a mother/parent/spouse. Some people don't view those things as something to cherish, but something they must do or are obligated to do. I think those are the same people who just fly through marriage/pregnancy/family like it is just part of life. Life is short is a blessing from God, as is each member of your family and each and every friend. You don't know how short it can be until it is gone and then you wonder why you didn't hug your little girl more...
Thanks for sharing...Prayers for you today!
Thank you for sharing your story. I know I do sometimes take my children for granted. With so much going on and with my hubby being gone and school, there just doesn't seem to be enough hours in the day. But God always seems to gently remind me that they need me more than my computer does ;) they are a gift and they do grow up fast. I'm so glad you were blessed with little Emma! & happy early birthday, sweetie!
Happy Birthday, Emma! Hope it's a great one!
Emma you're an adorable child with two awesome parents! Happy birthday!
Laina...
I tend to agree that often people do take their kids for granted regardless of how easy or hard they were to conceive. As someone who also struggled with infertility, I truly understand the sentiment of how over those heart breaking months of negative pregnancy tests, God really allows your eyes to be opened to the fact that children ARE a blessing...and one that not everyone receives. I agree that somehow when you have had that uphill battle...whether it was for years, or months, whether with first or later pregnancies, you really appreciate your kids. Can't wait to hug my girlies again!
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