A Thank You to All You Fabulous Mothers

As I am sure most of us can admit, until you had children....you didn't get the children thing.  I babysat, had a young sister, nannied....but there was no way I could understand the children ups and downs until that at-his-wits-end 2 year old was my very own. I remember once upon time wondering why a mother would stand by and watch as her child threw a chaotic fit in the middle of the grocery isle. I have now been that mother...standing and waiting for a little patience for myself and a little sanity for my kid....I get it now. (And I kindly thank that super awesome experienced mother who walked by us at that moment, put her hand on my shoulder and said, "Hang in there, we have all been there." I'm pretty sure I wanted to cry an episode of gratitude for her thoughtfulness and understanding).  I remember once upon time envisioning that my kids would never make a mess; never throw a fit in a store; never scream in public; you know, be angel children. I have pretty awesome kiddos, but let's face it - I was dreaming. Big time. Parenting is a learning game. Kids are kids. They are moody and affected by the tiniest of things: late nap, bad night's sleep, a hungry tummy, they're hot, they're cold, they want chocolate milk not water, they wanted a red fruit snack not green....or just because that is what they feel like at that moment. Sometimes as parents we mess up and have to apologize (yup, I do that daily), and sometimes we have to correct and encourage apologies. Life is about learning, right?! Thank the heavens for that. So, to all you mothers who I once unrightfully judged in the isles at Target....I am deeply sorry.  I did not understand....but now that I do, I send my team spirit to keep on at the good work.  You go, mamas!

But that was not the point of this post today. Today I want to say THANK YOU to all those fabulous mothers who have taught their kids love and understanding.  I have a fearless 2 1/2 year old.  Fearless.  Which I both love love love as well as worry about.  When I take him to the park and there are other boys playing basketball or soccer or football....or just simply chasing each other around, my darling Bridger runs right over to join. Mind you these are not other 2 year olds. These are the big kids....the 6-15 year olds. Never once has one of those kids ignored my sweet, little, wants-to-a-big-boy, Bridger, and kept on with their much-more-fun-games.  They have taken the time to play with him. They have slowed their fast-paced games down to include my small child. They have showed him a few new tricks.  And he LOVES it.  It fills my heart with such gratitude for those boys' mothers who have taught them to be so selfless and so thoughtful.  And I also thank those super awesome boys who have listened to what their mothers have taught. That, too, takes serious effort on their own behalves. Thank you thank you thank you.  I naturally worry, as we all do, about our kids going out there into the big world, and it has been moments like those that give me hope that he will be ok.