-Edna Beeman
It’s been one of those days. Every mother knows what I’m talking about… One of those days when it’s taken every ounce of your being to make it to bedtime.
And my mother has been here to witness it all.
She knows what kind of day it’s been. She can tell I’m at the end of my rope; that I’m teetering on the edge. And that’s when she says to me…
“It’s okay to not like your children sometimes.”
Rather harsh.
But the more I think about it, the more it makes sense. It is my job to love my children. It is my job to protect my children. It is my job to teach my children right from wrong. It is my job to ensure my children become positive, contributing members of society.
But, my god, all of that is so exhausting and some days are just sooooo frustrating!!!
Some days we butt heads. Some days none of us will give an inch. Some days something will set one of us off for no good reason (I’m guilty of this one, too) and there’s no bringing us back to neutral ground.
Let’s be honest, some days we just don’t like each other.
And that’s okay, because that doesn’t mean for one instant that we stop loving each other.
So I will continue to love my children unconditionally. I will protect them with my life. I will teach them to go out and do good in the world. I will always remind them that the world is a better place because they are in it.
And in the midst of all that, on the days they push me to the brink of insanity, I will remember the wise words of my mom, and remember that those feelings are okay.
The mantra obviously worked for her.
J
