I did something today that required me to step outside of my comfort zone, all for the fun of telling my daughter yes when I would normally give her an excusue to not do something. I believe this earns me the Mother of the Year Award. So here is my acceptance speech.
“Thank you, thank you, thank you. You are all too kind to bestow me with the Mother of the Year Award. I am so honored.”
“Why yes, I will admit, I do deserve it. I told you, my children, yes today when my inclination was to say no. I took you running with me when I really wanted to be alone. I cleaned up your room for you so you and your friend could play. I took you to the bathroom today twice, when I would have rathered finish my adult conversation without interruption.”
“Oh and yesterday was a red letter day too. I had you help me make a pie when I could have done it myself in half the time. I laughed when you covered yourself in flour instead of yelling at you for making a mess. I let you practice cutting with scissors instead of giving into my fear that you would cut yourself.”
“I took you, my oldest, school shopping when I would rather keep you home with me; keep you protected my child. I smiled as we picked the lunch bags, glue, pencils, and crayons that you will take with you when you venture far outside of my influence. I smiled when my heart was crying and raging against this new phase in your life.”
“Yes, I deserve the Mother of the Year Award. Not for my perfection, but for my mothering outside of my comfort zone for your betterment, for your benefit. I deserve it for loving you enough to put your desires and needs above my preferences, above what I desire.”
“And while there is no physical award for me to hold onto, I will hold on to the moments when you whisper ‘I love you’ or come to me for comfort. I will cherish those times you still need me. I will revel in seeing you learn and grow even when my heart aches for the baby you used to be. And my greatest reward will be when you spread your wings and embark on your life.”
“But for now, my children, please forgive your mama when she falls short, or struggles to rise above herself for your good, or when her desire to keep you safe in her arms wins for a moment. Please love your mama anyway and believe her when she tells you she loves you more than any award in the world.”
“You are my treasure. You are my Award.”
I’ve linked up with Just Be Enough, where my link helps donate a memory book to those battling cancer.
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