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| Sometimes, it’s the kids who inspire their parents |
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On a daily basis I look into my children’s lives and wish I had what they have. Maybe it’s hybrid vigor at its best or maybe I’m a proud mom on steroids, but I have to say all four of my children have traits that I wish I could instill into my own life.
Warning: Proud mom about to gush.
Watching my oldest son endure the loss of someone he deeply cared for, I have seen a resiliency of a mature adult beyond his years. His compassion for others who are hurting is nothing short of heroic and his steadfastness in his faith in God is amazing.
I’ve watched the painful moments when memories of her flooded his mind and yet, he is able to voice his feelings, ask painful questions and move forward through the difficult yet necessary process of grieving. They say when a person is in a tough spot you see what they are truly made of – and what I’ve witnessed is the fabric of a real man. A man of love, compassion, tenacity and faith.
Am I an overly proud mom? Guilty.
Being a self-starter with a big motor are traits that prove advantageous for my second oldest son in everything he attempts. Whether it’s on the playing field or on the farm, he has always had the motivation to get things done now and get them done right.
He sees no advantage in procrastination or doing a job halfway. He wants it done right the first time and will keep going and going until the job is finished. Of course, these are traits I love, but combine this with the empathy and concern for others and you’ve got a kid like no other.
Two weeks ago, they lost their regional football playoff game, ending a great season. During the game I watched him help the opposing players up, tapping them on the helmet with a “job well done.” And when they lined up at the 50-yard line to watch the winning team receive their regional champion medals, I watched him clap for every single player.
I can’t say that I would have had that much class at age 17. Am I an overly proud mom? Guilty again.
In the cold rain, I watched her walk her younger brother out to the truck, open the door and help him in as he tried to maneuver his way around on crutches with a foot injury. This was after she had milked the cows by herself and then attended her two-hour evening class at the school.
Stunned at her compassion for her younger brother is an understatement for this mom. My daughter continues to surprise me with her organization, her punctuality, unending willingness to help and her encouraging hugs for a mom who is unorganized, never on time and continually stressed out. I stand in awe at her strength and only wish I had a tenth of her attention to detail.
Yes, I’m proud … guilty as charged.
He never meets a stranger, has an encouraging word for everyone and his passion for life is palpable. My youngest makes me laugh on a daily basis, but it’s his unquenchable optimism that is infectious. There isn’t much that can keep him down – not losing, not bad news, not even when Michigan State lost to Iowa.
He can see the bright side in every situation no matter what. People like him are often misunderstood as unrealistic and out of touch.
But as I listened to him explain to his stoic sister the emotions that were running through the sobbing players on his older brother’s football team when they were knocked out of the playoffs, I soon realized this kid is more in touch with other people’s feelings than I had given him credit for. He sees the pain in others and speaks life-sparking encouragement into their lives.
I may be over-the-top as a proud mom, but go ahead and tattoo that verdict on my forehead; I will gladly take that charge. Life is too short not to recognize the strengths in our children and to share those publicly with them.
Through the tough days of parenting when things don’t always turn out like we thought they would, it’s these glimmers of hope that we need to dwell on and be thankful for. Remember to enjoy your kids this Thanksgiving, because life is but a vapor – here today and gone tomorrow.
The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of Farm World. Readers with questions or comments for Melissa Hart may write to her in care of this publication. |
| 11/23/2010 |
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