Sometimes you forget that what you do is important. That what you do has value. That you matter to other people. That you are loved.
Sometimes when you are parenting kids from hard places you forget that there is a still small voice in your child, one that is receiving your guidance, hearing your words, and watching your moves.
My daughter Isabela had a writing prompt today that read: Write about a woman who has influenced your life for the better. This is what she said:
‘Someone who has influenced my life is my Ma. Ma has changed my life. Like when I get stuck Ma just tries to help me. When I lie about silly things my Ma makes me more comfortable and I barely lie anymore. Another way Ma influenced my life is by adopting me and making my life better.’
Isabela made me cry. See, her writing that, on her own accord, makes me feel like less of a therapeutic parenting lunatic and more like I am doing hard life work with a purpose. And that purpose is influencing my daughter for the better. I am so proud of her for putting words to her thoughts and being brave in the sharing. And I am proud of myself, I feel understood in a real way by my ten year old.
{This journal entry was used by permission, and no, I don’t generally go by Ma- but Isabela is in the throes of a Laura Inglalls Wilder fascination.}
Love it, love her, love you.
Kind words and a little validation go a long way for a mama! A true gift.
And I love that she is referring to you as Ma! So cute!
I would be crying too Anya!!! Way to go ISA!!!!! SEE you are doing a GREAT job ma!