When life is busy the days compound on to themselves. Suddenly it is Friday and I can't believe the week is over. Then, I look back and realize I wasn't the best mom during the week.
I yelled. I criticized. I expected too much.
It is easy to expect too much from Buttercup. She is wise and mature beyond her young age. She is eager to help with everything. She keeps watch over her younger brother. She listens and remembers what is told her. She is dutiful.
Buttercup lives life with exuberance. She is always excited. She loves to be involved with everything. When she sings, her voice reaches the heavens. When she swims, her arms plow through the water. When she practices piano, the notes resound in Forte.
Sometimes, it is annoying. Her older brother will testify. Sometimes, I find myself reacting to her excitement with negativity. Her passionate nature creates turmoil to my inner peace.
Her joy is great.
The same can be said when jubilation turns to despair. The simplist things to me are heartbreaks to Buttercup. The slightest hurt may open a floodgate of tears. Feelings are easily broken and the misunderstandings can be numerous.
This is when I roll my eyes and wonder what has gotten into this child? She is too old for this behavior....
And that is when I remember this girl is only eight years old. Her maturity masks her youth.
I am learning to breathe; to take a step outside the situation and remember her age. I remind myself this child LOVES.
I am learning to curb her excited jubilation into a calmer joy. I am learning to rein her devastating despair into a disappointed sadness.
And she is teaching me patience. She gives reminders to look for the joy in life; to sing loud and proud, practice the piano with the dynamics of my mood, and to find my passions.
I think she is amazing.
She is amazing and what a wonderful post!
Posted by: mark | January 12, 2012 at 01:46 PM
What a very lovely post. Thank you.
Posted by: Sandy | January 12, 2012 at 06:44 PM
I THINK SO TOO. <3
Posted by: Amanda | January 12, 2012 at 07:41 PM
Wow. What a blessing to have someone who lives so fully! I wish I could be more like that.
Posted by: Sayre | January 13, 2012 at 06:55 AM
A bit like those who bought her into this world!
Posted by: johng | January 13, 2012 at 07:50 AM
She sounds so much like my daughter! At times I would be at my wits end and pray... how can I parent her? The answer always came too clearly.. Love her.
That is all. Just love her.
Posted by: Devon | January 13, 2012 at 10:36 PM
She sounds wonderful..and mostly happy! :)
Posted by: Far Side of Fifty | January 16, 2012 at 08:18 PM
makes me think of that post I did of her conversation with me.... the one where I only listened (:
Posted by: Pamela | February 01, 2012 at 09:29 PM