Mother & Son

Being a parent means having this very important responsibility of raising good people.  It is a lifetime mission. We take care of them, provide for all their needs (physical, emotional, mental, spiritual), and guide them through life.

Being a parent is not always easy. Sometimes we get tired. Sometimes we get frustrated. We worry. We get disappointed.  In every stage, we face different challenges from waking up late at night to change their diapers or disciplining them in their early childhood days. It can be a lot of work. I say,  having a child  is truly life changing. It is a blessing and at the same time a sacrifice, an act of great love.

What inspired me to write? Earlier, I got into a small fight with my 9-year-old. It might sound petty to others but it meant something to me.

He was so distracted with his gadgets that he would find it hard to pay attention and listen to what I’m saying. Usually I have to repeat A LOT OF TIMES what I have to say to him. And this can be exhausting. I always pray for patience and understanding. It has been a challenge for me nowadays because they are on summer break.  Everyday, I have to set  a time limit with regard to the use of the gadgets. My son and I usually argue about this.  I manage their activities, making sure they read, write, draw, and do something else besides video gaming. I have to take them out of the house too for a swim or stroll at the park.

I lost my temper. I raised my voice. I had to be stern. What irritated me most was the talking back. He was reasoning out when clearly he was wrong. And it broke my heart to see him so mad at me. I sent him to his room for a time out. No TV. No gadgets. I said he needed to be alone and be quiet.

I was worried. I was thinking maybe he would grow up hating me because I would always discipline him. Then I felt sad. I was sorry for saying some things that could have hurt his feelings. I felt bad. I know I am not a perfect person. Definitely not a perfect mom.

I thought of writing him a letter. Just to assure him that I love him. And that whatever we are doing is for his own good. I was about to write him a note when he came out of his room and went to me. He handed me a paper. And saw this …

It melted my heart. I just hugged him for a very long time. I cried quietly. I was relieved. Maybe I am doing the right thing. I did not have to remind him that I love him. He knows. We talked about what happened and the things he learned from it.

He told me to keep this paper and I said I will.

 

 

 

 

 

Mommy Sentiments

Usually, my day is almost over after dinner. Dishes washed and it is almost sleeping time. This is the time for cuddling, kids can play for a while before drinking milk and brushing teeth. My husband and I always enjoy watching them. We say to each other that Kirsten is our last baby. This is the last time we are watching a beautiful 2 year old baby. They grow up really fast! My boy is turning 7 this year. Often times I have flashbacks of my son’s birthday through the years. First year, party held in our house. Second birthday at the park. Third birthday when we gave him all Disney cars die cast collections. Fourth birthday was little get together with some friends (McDonalds, Chuckecheese),Fifth birthday was spent in Discovery Cube Orange County. Sixth birthday had a little party at our new home. And I intend to remember each birthfday of my kids throughout the years. I know I may have lapse of memory someday, but I believe the heart will never forget. It will always remember. So right now, we cherish. It is that moment when you stare at your little ones’ faces that make long lasting memories for the heart. I barely recall how my son looks like when he was 2 like his sister, but the feelings at those moments are still so vivid. I know the feeling at each stage or milestone of their lives. From the time I first met them (had c-sections for both) until the present. No matter how it can get exhausting as a stay at home mother, I know this moment will only be here now. I do not want to miss a thing. I will treasure each memory in my heart.