What I Want Them To Know

I have seen many parents giving voice to concerns over what they should tell their children today.  I see my own mostly grown offspring expressing disbelief and anxiety.  And I myself have wondered what the future holds for our nation.  This is what I want my children to know:

I can't explain the results of the election to you.  Or any other election, for that matter.  Every person who voted had his or her own reasons for choosing the candidate they did.  I don't know most of them.  I don't know their lives, their situations, or why they think the way they do.

I know you are confused.  You may also feel fear.  You may feel disillusioned.  You may be angry.  That's ok.  Feel what you feel.  Feel free to express that in a constructive and respectful way.  But do not allow yourself to be overcome by it!

The election may be over, but now is the time to make an even more important decision.  You must choose how it will affect you.  Will you become bitter and disillusioned and give up?  Will you let the momentum build and sweep away everything you dreamed for your future?  Will you roll over and play dead?  Or will you let it make you stronger and more determined to work for what you believe?  The choice is yours.

I see people talking about moving to Canada.  Are we really ready to give up on our home?  To run from the challenge?  Or do we take a stand?  Continue to try to make a difference where ever and when ever you can.

You may feel insignificant.  You may feel outnumbered.  You may think there's nothing you can do.  Believe me when I tell you that one determined person can change the world.

You know what is right and what is wrong.  You know to treat people with respect and kindness.  Just because someone else calls names, belittles and demeans others, or participates in "locker room talk" does not make it ok or mean we must follow that example.  Jesus told us to Love each other.  He didn't say to only be kind to those who have the same opinions as us.  In fact He said the exact opposite!

We can let the divisiveness continue to grow and tear our country apart even further.  Or we can decide to work with what we have been given and look to how we might make the best of things.  We must try to find some kind of middle ground where we can meet, while also continuing to stand up for what we believe is important.

To The Birthday Boy

My dear "little man",

Oh sure, I know you're not so little anymore.  And you're probably mortified that I would referred to you that way in a public place.  It's been a couple of years that I have had to look up at your face now.  But in my heart you'll always be my "little man" - no matter what size or age you are.

This mama's heart finds it so difficult to believe that you are 16 years old today.  The years have flown by so quickly. There are times I ache for the days when you were that silly, sweet, blond little boy with the cheeks who used to crawl up to sit in my lap. I wish I had taken the time to hold you just a few minutes longer while you were still small enough for that.

But as much as I miss those days, I wouldn't trade these days for anything.  I know we often seem to butt heads and argue about things that will seem so trivial in days (hours?) to come.  I remind myself that this is not unusual.  You're spreading your wings and trying to take those steps towards independence and manhood.  And I am so very proud of the young man you are becoming.  Even if I do still try to hold on - maybe a little too tightly.

You are still silly.  Stay that way.  And you are still sweet.  Don't ever lose that inner kindness.  Be strong.  Be courageous. Be unique.  Believe in yourself. God has created you for something special and I know that He will have you do great things for Him.

And always know - just like you will always be my "little man", I will always be your mommy.  I will always be here if and when you need me.  And I will always love you.

Happy Birthday. 

You can find me connecting at these Blog Hops and Link Ups