Thursday, January 15, 2009

Family

Is there anything in the world that matters more to me? No there is not. I often look at how richly blessed I am with all my wonderful children and their spouses (who I love as much as is possible), my grandchildren and my great-grandchildren. (I know I am way, way to young to be a great-grandma, but I was a child bride). My life is full and I will never be alone. How did I get to be so lucky? It was by sacrifice.

Years ago, when I was young, I did what I knew was right and put many of my own goals and desires on hold to raise a large family. It wasn't easy, pregnancy was horrible, childbirth a nightmare I still shudder at. Diapers, bottles, crying, etc. seemed to never end. But it was also the most wonderful time of my life. Because I was willing to sacrifice then I became the person I am today and now I am enjoying the harvest of my earlier work. The reward and blessings are so much greater than the sacrifice. I would do it all over again given the chance.

I wanted to share a poem with Lauri as she is struggling with her latest news. It is by one of my favorites, Carol Lynn Pearson

Investment
How enviously
I watched
The rose bush
Bear her bud-
Such an easy,
Lovely birth.
And
At that moment
I wished
The sweet myth
Were true -
That I could Pluck you,
My child,
From some
Green vine.

But now
As you breathe,
Through flesh
That was mine
(Gently in the
Small circle
Of my arms),
I see
The wisdom
of investment.

The easy gift
Is easy to forget
But what is bought
With coin of pain-
Is dearly kept.

3 comments:

Vidal's Nest said...

Beautiful poem with great prespective. Thank you for sharing it!

Shelli said...

Thanks, Mom, it is beautiful and true! I am blessed by each one of my children. Getting them may be tough, but I know all of us wouldn't change it for the world once they get here. And, we know we will never be the lonely grandma!

Weston Family said...

I have felt the same idea for several years now. I've gone on faith, hoping that my brain wouldn't get completely fried raising children and dealing with the humdrum and treasure of motherhood until I could get on with my life. My life goes on because of what I have learned thru the struggle and triumph of child-raising. I could not do what I do without the education of mothering. Wow, now I'm crying.