The gift of children
"She is my child," Charity objected.
"She was," Forthill corrected her, "if only for a time. Children are a precious gift, but they belong to no one but themselves. They are only lent us a little while." The priest folded his arms over his chest and leaned against the doorway." (Quote from Jim Butcher in his book Proven Guilty, page 416, 7th paragraph)
I always find things in fiction that are full of truth. I was just finishing the book Proven Guilty. This quote was near the end and it made me smile. My own personnel philosophy as a parent is that my children are who they are, they are responsible for their behavior. My job is to help them find their talents and what there passions are and help them move in those directions. I don’t get to dictate who they are; I just get to let them know how to behave in society politely and pleasantly.
It also reminds me of the quickness of childhood. I try to hang onto moments. If Gabriel asks to cuddle I try to stop what I’m doing and give him that moment. I know eventually, I’ll have a teenager who will want me to give him space.
When Hannah wants me to sing another song. I remind myself that someday, another singer will make her cheer, and she will probably be embarrassed as if I break out in song.
--Mom
