I am holding my upset four year old. He cries, sobs into my chest, and I can feel his tears soaking through my shirt.
He is upset and I don’t know why. He can’t tell me, because George does not have many words. He uses Mama and Daddy frequently, sometimes a Yay or a go.
I look around to asses the mess and think about the things that still need to get done today: The dishes, the laundry, the whole big clean, baking the Challah and writing invitations. I am feeling ungrateful.
I close my eyes and remember how lucky I am, how our life is so much better than the life most people live.
On we go with a grateful heart. Let’s try that again.
I am grateful that I am holding my sobbing baby, because he feels safe with me, because he comes to me when he is upset. I am grateful for his weight making my back ache, because I am one of the lucky mothers who can hold her child. He is here, with us.
Next are the dishes. I am grateful for those, too, because we have food to eat. I am grateful that I can easily spend ten minutes picking up toys at the end of the day.
I am grateful for all the noise in our home today, because it is happy noise, the noise of children playing.
I feel much better now, and George seems to sense my calmness. He wiggles out of my arms and takes my hand.
He pulls me to the chest of drawers again.
The drawer is still empty and I still don’t know what he wants. We try the Playmobil car, the train, his favourite red racecar and his monkey Momo.
Still nothing. I move the chest of drawers to look behind it, pick up the few cars that fell behind it earlier, but they are not what Boo is looking for. He is starting to get upset again, leading me to the sofa.
I move the cushions, trying to work out what he is looking for.
At that moment Arthur joins us, carrying a dress-up elf hat.
George takes the hat and puts it on.
Smiling he climbs off the sofa and says: Thank you.
And that brand new word, it just sums it up. Gratitude changes everything.
Our life is not always easy, but it is always good, and there is always something to be grateful for.
This week I am grateful for tea, a peaceful moment.
I am grateful for taking a leap of faith, for reaching out, for re-connecting and for getting together with friends and family. I am grateful for making plans and writing invitations.
I am grateful for days spent saying yes, for the fun that comes with that,
I am grateful for craft supplies in the post and for painting with banana peels.
I am grateful for talking on the phone to family far away and for a sister who has booked her flight to see us soon.
What are you grateful for today?
♥
Grateful that I found you and your blog. You and your little ones always makes me smile. Today I feel with you with little Boo when you do not know what to say or do. You are a great mum! Huggs!
Absolutely lovely – thank you
That my husbands virus seems to have ended, that my little boy wants to snuggle in the sling today, that I found enough spare pennies to buy him the batman shirt he really wanted as well as the water bottle he needed. That I saw a glimmer if spring today and that I just found out a friend is coming to stay and that I have a husband who understands that when he comes home to a messy house (rarely!)it means I put our son first above chores and so, despite a long day at work he will chips in to help straighten things up with no moans or groans just praise for my mama skills. I’m very grateful for him!
My negatives… My boo is sick. I have a toothache I’m desperately trying to get rid of, and it is snowing again outside!
Turning them around…because I homeschooling I can hold him and nurse him all day. My tooth really hurts but I’m able to consult with a dentist and will have other options to fix it by Monday of it doesn’t get better! And I have a sweet little cozy warm home I am comfortably in while it snows! And hopefully the snow will help spring look greener when it comes
Thanks friend! Here is looking on the bright side!
It is hard having a four year old who doesn’t talk much. Mine had many tears of frustration and found violence the simplest way to communicate. Now he is seven and has moved on a long way but can still be quick to anger when he doesn’t understand. But I am grateful that he has grown from a baby who didn’t enjoy being held to a little boy who clambers on to my lap every opportunity he gets. I am grateful for his snuggles and kisses that are now freely given. I am also grateful to the yahoo groups that used to help me not feel alone on those days that I felt trapped at home. And, finally, I am grateful for chocolate.
Absolutely beautiful!
This totally brought tears to my eyes. I understand it all so very well. You’re not alone mama. <3
What a beautiful post Miri.
brilliant words Miri you are sooooo clever i love to read about your day I wish I could write like you
I am grateful that you are my friend I know we dont see each other often but it is nice to have you on FB
mishca
Oh I’m with Karina – I am grateful to have found this post today. With a day that has stretched me, and my boy’s madness from exhaustion, I needed a reminder that there are still many beautiful aspects to our lives. We eat healthy food. We are intelligent. We can ask questions without fear. We can have our own space. Such big things, so often taken for granted. Thank you.
Just wonderful. I am thankful for a warm house with everyone at home while it snows outside.
Beautiful thank you
Shabbat shalom