A Bright And Blurry Window
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I’ve been really enjoying watching the olympics lately–the exciting endings, heart breaking defeats. The Phelps effect. All so beautiful, to see what normal people can do with extraordinary skill, if they put their mind to it.
But even more moving has been to watch the footage of all the mothers of the athletes. I cry with them, as they see their child win yet another gold, and I cry with them as they hurt for their child who missed their chance and must now live with losing what coule be the most important competition of their life.
I think it all makes me emotional because I imagine my boys doing these feats of greatness, and I can almost feel what it’s like to be the mother of a child who receives such recognition. Gold medal? Silver or bronze medal? How proud I would be!
But I also know that my children will be great, no matter if they decide to be Olympians or to be a struggling artist. If they choose the path of a Starbucks barista or if they join the Peace Corps and go out to save the world. It’s that unconditional love, that we realize now more than ever, that is not always freely given by those you love. For us, it’s easy. It’s who we are.
The greatness of spirit that my boys posess means they will be touching lives no matter what their profession, or if they win competitions, awards or accolades. Changing a life just by being themselves is one of their superpowers now, so I know I can expect that greatness to continue.
As I look out the window of the future, I see a glimpse. A moment here or there of “oh he will make a great gymnast!” or “He’s definitely going to be a famous writer”, but in the end that window, although gleaming brightly, still stays blurry. And so I wait with excited anticipation to see which path they choose, knowing I’ll be there for them every step of the way.
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15 Responses to “A Bright And Blurry Window”
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Beautiful post and so true. My oldest struggles with a lot, but he has heart. You can’t teach children heart. They can have all the skill in the world but without the heart, without the passion, they won’t go far with it.
I’m so excited to see what the future has in store for my children, but you know what? I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised if my son ended up a pastor. That’s just the vibe I’m getting…
I know- I think about that a lot. Especially when I’ll see an awards show and most every child always says “hi mom!” or thanks their mom and there is just NOTHING like getting the awesome privilege of being the mother to our children! We will always be so special to them. And no matter what they choose to do in life, or not do, they will always be our babies.
Steph
That’s a great photo and even better post.
That is beautiful. I’ve often found myself almost crying as I see the mamas watching their babies. This thing of being a mama is nothing short of amazing.
Loved this
I sob like a baby when I see the new AI each year as I think “if that was my baby up there…” and that is all it takes for me.
In the end I don’t so much care what they do with their lives but I do care that have ambition, aren’t afraid to go after their dreams…that they don’t grow up stuck in a dead end up that they hate.
That would be almost the worst thing for me to see as a parent…a child stuck in something they hate either because they HAVE to pay their bills to support their family and there is no way around it or because they are stuck out of fear or laziness.
Nell
wonderful post. I cry pretty easily right now. I loved watching Phelps’ mom whenever he swam.
I often wonder what is in store for my children. What will they choose to be? I think it is wonderful that they have the whole world in front of them just waiting for them to play their part in it. My son who is 7 is always talking about what he will be and I enjoy hearing his dreams of becoming a construction worker, policeman, astronaut, illustrator, and more. I hope he (and my daughter) always remembers that I am their biggest cheerleader and will support whatever path they choose!!
Beautiful post. I cry with the moms for the joy and the sadness. I was just watching my daughter dance to music and thinking, “Will she be a dancer? Maybe an actress?” She’s so dramatic and wild. Then I Iook to my sensitive, temperamental son and see a lawyer, an advocate, a fighter for good causes. I try to see positive things in their strong willed personalities. The things that drive me wild will someday be great attributes for whatever they might become.
Yes, our kids do make us proud. I loved watching Michael Phelp’s mom and sister’s too.
p.s. that picture looks like your son and hubby are twins…great pic.
It’s true no matter what your children do you will be so proud. As their mom they are the best one all the time, win or lose.
Because it’s not about the win, it’s how hard they worked at what they did that makes you so proud, and makes them a winner! (if they lost)
I think you wrote this just for me. And it is SO true. I say this through tears, from a mom who is having a REALLY hard time right now, but I will always be proud of my kids and who they are and what they accomplish.
It is the awesomest honor to be the parents to our children, to have been given the chance to raise our futures, and have an impact on society, no matter how big or how small. Regardless of what they do, we will be proud, and we stand proud being their mothers.
I love this post. Love it. To the future!
Don’tcha just LOVE Debbie Phelps? I think I’m more of a fan of Debbie than of her son Michael. She just seems so doggone genuine!