Monday, February 25, 2008

The Other Side

This post goes along with something I saw on another blog, the CF husband blog that I have posted here before. Nate's wife, Tricia, has cystic fibrosis and they had a little girl named Gwyneth 8 weeks ago. Gwyneth is doing well in the NICU but has at least two more months of growing to do before she is able to go home. Her mother, Tricia, is also doing well but is currently waiting for a lung transplant. You can visit their blog at http://cfhusband.blogspot.com/ and see how others are telling Tricia all the joys of motherhood and all that she has to look forward to with Gwyneth.
Which brings me to my post today.......If I were on the other side of this blog, I would still act as if I had it all together. I have found out that I don't, never did, and never will.

Since becoming a mother to the boys and losing Madeline last year, I have learned:

that life is uncertain and we are not promised tomorrow so take advantage of today.

that children are a blessing, even when they come in threes (I have always known this but have to remind myself when the triplets are arguing or fighting over something and I want to pull my hair out!!!)

that a child can have a purpose even when she is taken from us too quickly.

that it is okay to be heartbroken....God has a way of moving you forward and earthly children keep you from giving up, while a baby in Heaven keeps you looking forward to a reunion like we can not imagine.

that your children don't care if you are not perfect.

that little boys are happiest when they are wet and muddy and desperately need a bath.

that a bandaid and a kiss from Mama can pretty much cure all things hurt.

that the sweetest sounds are your children singing, laughing, and praying.

that the hardest thing about parenting is not always jumping in to "fix" it but allowing your child to make their own mistakes.

that even with all the pain and heartache that comes with losing a child, the love you always feel for her makes it all worth it.

that at the end of the day you have all you need when you look at your sleeping children.

6 comments:

Laurie in Ca. said...

Hi Mandy,

How good it is to check in on you this morning and here you are!!:) I really love this post and the truth in what you have learned since Madeline blessed your life. As a grandma who has raised twin sons who will be 37 in May, I can tell you that every statement you made about children is right on the mark! You are right where God wants you right now and this is so good.
I am blessed to be able to repeat these truths as I take part in my grandkids lives. It is more clear the second time around:)! I think of you all the time and remember to pray for your days. I believe it is safe for me to say that Madeline has blessed your life so richly on this side of your blog. Praise God for His faithfulness in our lives.
I love you Mandy and check in daily to see how you are doing. I will continue to do so.

Love and Many Blessings,
Laurie in Ca.

Anonymous said...

I love you Babe! You are my heart.

Brian

Emily said...

Thinking of you tonight, friend.

Melissa said...

Mandy,

What you wrote was absolutely beautiful. It really touched my heart! YOU ARE SOOOOOOO right about our kids not caring if we are perfect or not. B/c in their eyes we are perfect. Thanks for sharing your heart with us.
Love,
Melissa

Kenzie said...

Mandy-

I think of you a lot and pray for you and your family every day! I know that we are each so thankful for our child/children at home, and also for those that graced us with their presence for such a short time...

I hope that you have a beautiful Easter this next Sunday~ I am actually looking forward to it... I feel like with the resurrection of our Lord, ultimately comes the resurrection of our little ones too... the promise that we will all be together again one day! What an awesome day that will be!

Love and praying,
Kenzie

CFHusband said...

Thank you!