It was one of those nights where you wonder why God made this parenting gig so tough. It had been a long day after a short night with little sleep and I was ready to call it done. I had been anticipating the quiet and darkness for hours and the time had finally come. After a final check of my kid who'd felt sick all day, I was ready to find my own bed. "Hallelujah," I whispered. At last all the questions and needs could stop for a while. But while I was taking off my makeup, something kick started.
"Mom, I have a headache. Can I get some Advil?"
I took a deep breath. "Sure," I said and ran down the hallway, retrieved the pills and settled the lad back in his room.
I looked longingly at the bed on my way back to the bathroom. Before I got anything in my hand a different kid appeared.
"Mom, I think the back of my ear is bleeding."
"Honey, I'm sure it's fine. Let me see." I pushed her hair out of the way to inspect the spot which turned out to be a weepy bug bite. "It's fine. Just don't touch it. Good NIGHT!"
She moped back to bed. I barely missed her shadow when her sister came in with her cell phone (Family rule--teenagers hand over cell phones at bedtime).
"Is it okay if I work out with some friends tomorrow? Can you take me there at 11?"
"I s'pose that's fine."
I was ready to change into something comfy and hit the hay, HARD, when bug bite girl wandered back in. This time she was crying.
"Mom? . ."
I wanted to scream, "Hey, I'm off the clock, babe. It's a teeny bite. I think you're going to live. Deal with it." What came out instead was a slightly snarky, "Now what?"
"Mom, when you came in to check on Tanner I was in his room."
"What?"
"When you came in Tanner's room I was there and I knew it was probably too dark for you to see me so I didn't say anything 'cause I knew you'd be mad I wasn't in my own room, but I feel bad. I should've said something. It's kind of like lying to you. I'm sorry. I feel bad." And the waterworks came.
The clouds in the parenting heavens parted and a chorus of angelic voices sang.
I must have some mothering skills after all. The kid's got guilt.
It was as sweet as reading my oldest child's blog the other day where he said (and I quote) "I didn't have the luxury of having stupid parents."
Yep, there is, without doubt, a God. Thank You, Lord, for showing me I may hit the right target every now and then. Lead on.
For more Thankful Thursday posts, visit Iris at Sting My Heart.
13 comments:
Tami, your posts always make me smile. I love how you share about your precious family.
I have to admit that if God would have not been by my side through our son's teen years - I would have called it quits :)...
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on parenthood and your grateful heart with us.
Be blessed today and always...
You make my heart smile, bless you.
This is precious! I laughed outloud at your eldest's comment. And, oh how I needed a laugh at that exact moment--it came through tears from another post that broke my heart. Bless you for being faithful in using your writing skills.
You've gotta love it when you hit the parental target lol. Stay strong.
blessings,
Kim
Great post of thanks! Parenting is not easy ....but it is sure worth it. So glad that I am in the mommy world of 18 years. We have had a rough year but, the good out weighs the bad.
Have a fabulous day!
Blessings,
Darlene
Awww. You have great kids Tami and that did not just happen. You are right.
Well the answer to your question is YES MAM YOU DO HAVE SKILLS!!!!(after all...)
This was great Tami. I enjoyed getting a glimpse into your world.
What a tender heart your daughter has, I pray it never changes.
Keep following His lead♥
(I owe you an email!)
Thank you for sharing the heart of your sweet and tender girl! Blessed me and reminded me of my son when he was younger. He's still got a tender heart (at age 19) and I'm so grateful! = )
Blessings on this TT,
Tracy
Your little one's 'fessing up was priceless! Loved your post. Happy Thankful Thursday!
Oh no, this is discouraging. you mean, it doesn't get any better as they get older??? :)
Gotta love a little God-given conscience. You ARE doing something right!
This has got to be one of my favorite TT reads today. How precious. It is beautiful when the Lord shows us, or pats us on our backs and let's us know...Child, you are doing well in my eyes, Good for you and God bless those youngens you have.
Stacy
awww Tami this is a beautiful post. I feel like "when I'm off the clock" i want my break, and yet God is showing us amazing things happen during that time!
Tami, I like your quote "Thank you,Lord, for showing me I may hit the right target every now and then. Lead on." That's how I feel when it comes to my marriage and my kids. I mess up, but when God works through me and does something right, to Him be the glory!! I know my family is glad that I know Jesus. They'd be a mess if I didn't. My flesh would make life really hard for them. I enjoyed reading your post.
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