I had an experience yesterday that taught me a valuable lesson.
I was at my nephew's basket ball game and Aaron Jr. was playing behind the bleachers where I could see him. As I watched him play, I noticed that he was trying to play with a little girl that looked about the same age as him. He was following her, and when she would turn and look at him, he would try to talk to her. He wasn't touching her or teasing her, he just wanted to play. Well, everytime Aaron Jr. did try to talk to her, she would speak mean back to him and try to get him to go away. At one point, her sister that was a few years older than her also yelled at Aaron Jr. to go away or something like that... and even though I felt horrible for him, it didn't seem to phase him so I figured it would be okay for him to handle this situation on his own for now. A couple of minutes later, I was watching again and this time, the older girl took ahold of Aaron Jr. and was trying to push him away. That is when my 'Mama Bear' instinct kicked in and I rushed over to tell that little girl what's up. When I got over there, I calmly took Aaron Jr's hand and told that little girl that Aaron Jr. was not doing anything wrong. All he was doing was try to play with her. He didn't touch her, he was just trying to play. Then I took Aaron Jr. over to sit with me for a minute until he wanted to play again.
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I am assuming that most moms have a story like this one. A story where you are just waiting in the wings for someone to even dare LOOK at your child the wrong way so that you can come to their 'rescue' and 'protect' them.
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As I sat there thinking about the protective nature I have... or that most moms have, I started thinking about the times in Aaron Jr's life when I have shown impatience and yelled at him for a reason that is not a good reason. When I thought about the protection we all feel as mothers for our children, I wondered why it is so easy to be protective of them when OTHERS are a threat to their precious feelings, but we are sometimes so quick to hurt their tender feelings by snapping at them when we are feeling stressed or overwhelmed.
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I have to say, when that lightbulb went on yesterday after I came to Aaron Jr's 'rescue', I realized that I am the one who loves him the most on this planet... which means, I am the one who should be showing the most patience and love towards him.
This lesson I learned as I sat there at a basketball game will forever be a lesson I want to remember. I want to make sure I am showing him the love that he deserves and protecting his feelings all the time and not just when OTHERS are a threat to him.
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I love this little boy.
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20 comments:
oh Leslie, you are wise.
What a great thought, I needed a reminder like that. Thanks
what a lovely mother you are, leslie:) little aaron jr. is blessed in so many ways to have you!!!
much love,
dani
Go Leslie!
Hey I have finally a new cell so I will give you a call. I hope that you are doing ok.
Leslie,
That's what us Momma Bears do. My husband says I am a "Grizzly Mama Bear" when it comes to my kids. I take it as a compliment. Good for you.
Leslie, I really needed that exact post...today...with my fuse short I definitely need to be reminded. Thanks!
What a wonderful thing to realize while Aaron Jr. is still young enough! If only I had figured that out when my sons were young! You're son is so lucky to have you!
Cute Leslie, I believe there are little short lesons to learn in every day situations that most of the time just go unnoticed. I need people like you to remind me how to recognize them. Thank you.
This is so very true! Thank you for sharing this experience. We could all use this lesson.
good one. I always need a reminder to be kinder to my little ones.
Love you
Leslie, oh how I just love your sweet heart. What a dear mother Aaron Jr. has. Thank you for sharing that... I know it's a lesson I'll hold dear when we finally have a precious little one to protect. You are wonderful, Leslie.
You are such a great Mom! I love the picture for your post :)
Jennifer
a great, unexpected lesson. thanks for sharing that.
Great lesson and Aaron would be thanking you.
fantastic story, and equally great lesson embedded. my patience level with my little ones needed a little check, thank you.
Leslie ~ you are such a wonderful Mummy and I am sure that Aaron Jr knows exactly what he means to you!! I am sure you also mean the whole world to him too!!
take care ~ love and hugs XXXXX
Beautiful lesson for all stressed out moms, like me. Thank you!
I really needed to hear that today. Thank you
for the reminder.
Your a gorgeous person Leslie ~ I do hope you realize that.
When Kara was two, we were in an indoor playground when a similar situation happened. Kara, all of three feet tall, kept approaching children and simply asked them "will you be my friend?". I was watching her and was so proud when she continued travelling around the room ~ even after several rejections. Then, after a while, she came to me and with tears in her eyes, she asked me why none of the kids loved her. I told her they didn't know what they were missing out on.....
It's funny the things you remember. I will never forget that day. Why do such young kids need to be so nasty for absolutely no reason? I suppose all we can do is ensure ours don't act that same way.
You have a beautiful boy Leslie and even if you do make the odd mistake, I have no doubt he will always know the depth of your love.
Thinking of you often.
Vanessa xxx
Amazing, thank you SO much for this post. Very wise and so true. Thank you thank you.
I haven't read the other comments, Leslie but I am certain that I echo others in saying this is a very powerful post.
Definately a "light-bulb" moment.
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