Maybe it is because she is starting to repeat things that we say, or maybe it is because she is starting to mimic our behaviors, but last night at 3:00 am instead of sleeping I was up wondering, how can I make sure that Brooklyn will be a caring, confident woman?!?! Who in the world would give me this responsibility? I mean just yesterday I was honking and yelling at a woman because she was driving the speed limit, is that showing Brooklyn kindness and patience? Or how about the fact that Brooklyn knows how to fold her hands to pray before dinner, but yet still knows way more about Santa than Jesus, is that showing her the importance of faith? We go to the playground and as Brooklyn is making a bee line for the slide, the first thing out of my mouth is be careful, is that fair to project my fears onto her? As these thoughts consume me, I start to sweat and just as I am about to wake up Brian, I realized something…..
I realized that I have a husband who is the most patient man that I have ever met. He will show Brooklyn that you don’t always have to be on time, that everything does not always have to planned, and that swiftering is not as fun as I try and make it.
I realized that my parents and Brian’s parents all have a deep sense of faith that is contagious.
I realized that I have three siblings that I look up to more than they know, who will show Brooklyn that you don’t have to hold on to both sides of the baby swing, that ski lifts are not as deadly as I make them out to be, and that certain rules are meant to be broken…..
I realized that even through all of my faults, I love, I care, I pray, I work hard, and most importantly I surround myself with people better than me!
Kristen is certainly right. The more and more that we're able to interact with Brooklyn, the greater sense of responsibility. We can only hope that we are installing good values and leading by example....something all 4 of our parents did. She needs both ends of the spectrum, that way she can settle in with whatever fits her personality.
ReplyDeleteFor the record, I haven't been late anywhere in like 2 or 3 days.
Oh, Kristen, I remember going through those same anxieties many times. Thank God, they survived in spite of me. It's one of the greatest responsibilities in life and one from which you reap your greatest joys. You and Brian are fabulous parents! Brooklyn is surrounded by love and there's nothing better than that! You're passing down what was passed down to you that was passed down to your parents, etc., and so the circle of love goes on and on. May it be a constant in your life as it has in mine. How very blessed we are!
ReplyDeleteLove you all so much!
Nana