This afternoon DH and I took our 3 oldest sons (10, 7 and 5) to see a children's play at a downtown theatre. It was, as always with this theatre, an amazing production. In the lobby afterward, as the other 200 children relished the chance to meet the characters in the play, or just simply put on their coats and readied to leave, looking all angelic, my sons played smackdown with the rolled up posters provided by the theatre.
Exasperated, I announced as we got in the car that we were not going to dinner, that children who couldn't keep their hands to themselves could not be trusted in a restaurant. Of course this was followed by cries and pleas "we will, we promise, please, please, we want to go out to dinner!!" So I said we would go, but if they didn't behave we would leave and they would have to reimburse us for dinner with money from their Disney savings (I can't tell you how many times I just typed that sentence and then deleted it out of utter embarrassment. But there it is, a shining parental moment for all of blogosphere to see).
At the restaurant we are seated next to another family with grown children. I am facing the grown son, who has disabilities. In fact, I am the only one in my family who can clearly see everyone at that table. Every few minutes he has a loud outburst, but he's not disruptive, he just is who he is. And every few minutes his mother reaches over and gently wipes his face with the napkin.
And smugly I think, I am so blessed.
But later, during my Sunday night insomnia (I can never sleep on Sunday nights, a whole 'nother post) I replay the evening over and over again. How incredibly smug, how unbelievably arrogant I was as I sat there watching my boys color and "behave". I am blessed, don't get me wrong. But so was that mother. She was also humble. And graceful. And respectful.
When will I be that mother, the one who takes in stride her child being a child, and merely gently wipes her child's face when needed?
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You are that mother. Trust me, I've seen you in action. My sisters and I marvel at how you do it. It can be frustrating to go through the day to day, every day, and I'm sure that you feel that you're not as patient and accepting as the mother in the restaurant, but I know you, and you are.
ReplyDeleteYOU are the Mom that so many of us consider patient, kind and full of Grace. None of us are perfect and you surely make mothering more fun for me!
ReplyDeleteI don't think you were out of line with what you expected of your boys. The woman sitting across from you at the restaurant was probably doing the same thing with her boys when they were younger. Isn't it funny how we spin the story...wouldn't you like ti know what her life was really about. Hmmmm.
Hi
ReplyDeleteI got your comment on my blog. My husband has spoken to me about your husband. He enjoys their friendship. I appreciate that you have had fun reading my blog, but I am a little embarrassed. It's really nothing special, but I try to do it for my kids, friends, and family. I love the postings you have here. You are very funny. I hope someday we can meet in person.