There came a point at some awfully late hour the other night that I felt like I could feel the calm of knowing I do not face struggles alone wash over me. Parenthood is filled with battles. Some are up gigantic hills and are nothing but heartbreaking. Others are constant yet manageable. Then there are the little ones that build up and can seem so big at the time. That is until you look back and think about how good you had it.
I haven't battled being a single parent. I have a partner in this journey and there will never be anyone who understands my cries like him....except maybe my mom.
I haven't battled cancer with my child. That's one of the biggies. I have spent time with moms, dads, and little ones who have. If I'm being honest, I've heard those cries up close. They weren't mine, but they will never leave me.
I haven't battled allergies with my child. At least not the kind that challenge daily living. I have watched Miss Carson steer through her's with ease. You would never know it from her parents, but I would imagine they've felt the pain of the battle and cried about it.
I haven't battled learning disabilities or bullying, but I do feel all too aware of what those battle cries must feel like.
Whether you are shedding tears, screaming for a minute, or silently holding in the cry so the baby will sleep there comes a point where you have to breathe. And when you breathe I challenge you to think about the many, many others who may be doing the exact same thing in the exact same moment for the exact same reason.
That's what I did. I closed my eyes and took a moment to acknowledge that my child is not the only one who gets ear infections and doesn't sleep. Again, it's so small but can seem so big when you are sleep deprived. Between the reflux and the ear infections I've spent a great deal of time in the past 15 months crying in the night with Evie. You could maybe say she and I have perfected it together. But, nothing had really given me such a sense of calm until I let my brain go to a place where other people were battling it with me.
So, whatever you battle with and for your child let the cries out whenever you can. I promise others are listening.
Excellent post!
ReplyDeleteAnd you're right; when you haven't slept and it's the middle of the night, even minor inconveniences or illnesses seem enormous. Definitely good to take a breath and keep it in perspective.
Love this post! The other night I was up at 3am with a sick child for the first time...ever. I don't know how you do/did it all the time! One night was almost enough to break me down. I admire your strength more than you will ever know!
ReplyDeleteThe morning I read this, I needed to hear it! Thank you!
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