The sun sets on another day…
It was a spectacular day as we played and played some more. Every moment an adventure, every hour a chance to learn. Children are great and maybe a little more. As the sky lit with orange and reds I smiled and enjoyed the western lightshow, and welcomed the cool embrace of the evening.
We were at the park today, and as we played on serious slides and stunning swings other people came in and out of the area. A family with a border collie arrived and the kids began playing soccer in a well groomed soccer field while the mother and puppy played near us in the playground area.
Being over the top about dogs in general, I started a conversation and, after asking for permission, I played with the puppy for a few. The dog was super and we were soon enjoying a fun game of fetch.
I watched the family play and looked over at my grandson and the fun he was having in the sand and slides and thought about all the time that had passed since my kids were that age. My mind drifter to all the things they learned, all the interaction, all the fantastic adventures we had taken, and they journey they now were taking.
The young woman and I talked and I asked what she did, and with a wave of her hand towards her children and a smile, she said “nothing”, and explained she was working on a new career. I smiled and watched her children play and listened and laughed. We talked about her husbands work, and the dog, the kids, and she kept a watchful eye always on the three player soccer game going on a few steps away.
I thought about what she said, but I disagreed. As we decided to go get ice cream I watched a a mom looking over her children and it was more than nothing, it was everything. Whether mother or father staying at home, guiding children is a magnificent job, and often more challenging than working many jobs. This young woman was raising children that played with each other, enjoyed the time, played fair, and listened. What was “nothing” to her should be everything to us all. I was impressed and as we drove away I hoped I did as good, then looked at my daughter and knew I had.
So as the sun sets on another day, being a parent is a fantastic adventure. Never doubt the commitment and hard work it takes to raise just one child. If you are a parent, believe in yourself and the hard work you put in daily. Just remember, being a parent is more than nothing, it is everything. Keep believing in yourself daily, no mater what.
Sleep sweet, love life, and super job…