Wishing you a happy, healthy, safe, and productive start to your week. Share a joke, share a smile, and be grateful.
It is rare that as parents, we get to share the “why” in detail about our children. We love all our children equally, despite their different personalities and traits; however, much of what I type below could be said of all of them. She is our oldest and also the shortest in the picture on the left.
Our daughter, Marie, is a single mother to five of our grandchildren, ranging in ages from 10 to 29 years old. She may be the hardest and most dedicated mother we know. Since she was a toddler, she has always seen the world through kaleidoscope glasses, giving everyone the benefit of the doubt, even when it’s not deserved. She will defend family and friends fiercely and is as loving and kind on the opposite end of the spectrum as anyone you will ever have a chance to meet.
She makes sacrifices to help others and always puts her family first. Marie checks in sometimes on her way to and from work to see how our day is going. For over 25 years, she has worked 8-10-hour days, caring for her charges, the most vulnerable children of other parents who need to work—from newborns to toddlers—at a daycare in Newtown Square. The parents and the daycare facility are lucky to have her, and they have treated her very well over the years, recognizing the value she brings to their organization. She is deeply dedicated and would go to great lengths to protect those in her care. She makes us, her parents, very proud.
Over the years, neighbors and friends have often said, “If anyone ever said anything negative about your Marie, they would defend her fiercely and cut ties with that person.” Many families and friends have described her as the nicest, kindest, most considerate, and caring person they have ever met. She loves being around family and sharing experiences, ghost stories, and funny things she has read or heard, all delivered with her infectious laugh and smile. Marie always greets us with a warm, loving kiss and hug, and we wouldn’t be surprised if she does the same with everyone she meets.
Her day begins very early and ends late, like that of many single mothers. She manages responsibilities such as shopping for clothes and supplies, preparing meals, doing dishes, cleaning, helping with school and homework, handling laundry, and making doctor and dental appointments, among other tasks. We, as parents, do our best to support her and her children whenever we can to help lighten her load. We would do the same for all of our children, as it comes with the territory—something that Marie has learned well.
Point to Ponder: Ensure your children understand that, regardless of their feelings at times, your love for them is unwavering, even during challenging moments. Emphasize that there is nothing they can’t discuss with you. Encourage them to come to you for honest advice before seeking it from friends. Your door is always open, but it’s essential to communicate that coming to you doesn’t mean there won’t be any anger about bad decisions. If they make a mistake, they should take responsibility and not blame others. Additionally, make sure your grandchildren know this as well, since they may look up to you as their parent!
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