Last night before going to sleep I crept into Quinn’s room and watched him sleep. It’s among the greatest joys of being a mother—watching one’s child sleep. But last night I needed to touch him.
I took him from his crib (against every rule of motherhood) and carried him to our bed where we lay tangled for a peaceful while.
This week mothers the world over are holding our babies a little bit closer.
I wonder. Why does it take a catastrophe to help realign my perspective?
I mentally recommit to help those less fortunate every day. I quietly promise to not get caught up in the minutia that so often consumes me. I vow to remember my blessings tomorrow and next month and during every inevitable frustrating moment to come.
I’ve been here before. In this moment. And I’ve forgotten. Homework struggles and dirty socks on the floor and temper tantrums in the supermarket have clouded my mind. But this time I promise myself to remember. I have everything.
If you feel inclined to donate to the efforts in Haiti here’s one suggestion of how you might do it:
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I guess that is why the phrase “out of sight, out of mind” has been plaguing me this week. We can become so far removed and wrapped up that until something loud happens, we don’t look up. It’s not that our focusses are necessarily selfish but if we can remember to appreciate them, it does a lot towards keeping us in the global fold. (And away from stupid arguments like where to eat lunch.)
This is a beautiful post, dear.
Beautiful! I have been all tangled in emotions this week. There were so many little things that added up to make it a stressful week for me. Every time I wanted to complain in my head or feel sorry for myself I was reminded that there are much larger issues in the world and that I am so lucky. Unfortuntely, that feeling would not stay I had to keep reminding myself over and over until I felt just down right selfish.
On a lighter note, you are brave to have taken Quinn out of his crib! I get nervous even opening their doors while they are sleeping. I am sure it was a wondeful moment.
It’s a very difficult balance to strike sometimes – looking out and looking in. I have also linked to a wonderful charity called Shelterbox on my blog who give really practical on the spot help in emergencies.
Pomona x
I love to tangle myself in a small child too – it’s a wonderful feeling.
The Haiti disaster is horrendous. I am off to look at craft hope and see what can be done to help.
Yes. We are very lucky indeed. Like when I come home from work late at night to a dark and quiet home, tuck the tangled mess of covers around my son’s sleeping body, crawl into bed with my little girl and fall asleep next to her…
Thanks for this post, Amy.
Amy,
I love the Erasmus quote…..but most of all, I love you.
Mama
ps. I prefer not writing in a blog, but I am doing so this time because I want you to know that I DO read it, enjoy it thoroughly, and am so very, very proud to be your mother.
I can’t go to sleep myself without going in to watch my girls sleep every night. And shh, don’t tell me husband, but I sometimes lay down besides The Monster for a little snuggle.
Beautifully written. When my kids were little, I used to love to pick them up and snuggle with them in my bed. Still do that sometimes with my youngest (10 years old) but she’s getting a little heavy now
Thanks for passing along the info on Craft Hope.
so true, thankful for the moments we have and have been give. We are so quick to take for granted.
I so agree–It’s moments like these that fill me with the desire to live more intentionally, with gratitude and help those less fortunately. It’s all these little moments that bring me to perspective.
I did the something similar last night and yes, I was reminded how precious it is to have our little ones in these troubled times.
Thanks for the reminder Amy.
Amy, PS, I just nominated you for an award on my blog.
Beautiful…..
Beautifully said. Thank you.
times like these put all of life into perspective, don’t they? beautifully said…
What a beautiful post. It gave me goosebumps all over.
Loved this post! For all the thoughtful encouragement and inspiration you share, I have awarded you the Lemonade Stand Award. Should you choose to accept it, the guidelines can be found here:
http://ktquilts4fun.blogspot.com/2010/01/thanks.html
Blessings,
KT