Sticks and Stones
November 27th, 2007… but names will never hurt me. Unless you call me a mom that doesn’t spend enough time with my daughter. I have stayed at home with her for virtually her entire life. I have tried to plan everything around her happiness. I go bike riding with her, throw princess parties, go to the pool, take her to the library, go for evening walks, cooked the turkey for her class this year and served it, make crafts, sit on the floor and play games, read to her, warm lotion in the microwave so it’s not too cold when I rub it on her dry skin. I play her favorite songs repeatedly on car rides, drive her to school and pick her up sometimes so we can spend more time together, I take her to feed the ducks, wake up early so I can get my work done sooner or save work for after she goes to sleep so I don’t have to do much when she’s awake. Up until yesterday, I felt like I had a pretty good balance and spent ample time with Arianna. So what idiot would tell me that I don’t spend enough time with her?
Arianna, of course! Yes, my sweet, darling, daughter told me I don’t spend ANY time with because I’m ALWAYS working. Let’s think about that a moment, shall we? That comment was retracted and brushed off as a joke – Lenny coaxed her along on that one. I tried to blink away and dry the tears, that despite all my strength, formed in my PMSing eyes.
I would like to take this moment to publicly apologize to my parents for any mean and thoughtless remarks that I may have made when I was growing up. For any remark that made them question their skills as a parent or even question themselves down to the core of who they are as people.
That being said, could someone please help me remove the dagger from my heart?
From King Lear
Turn all her mothers pains and benefits
To laughter and contempt that she may feel
How sharper the serpant’s tooth it is
To have a thankless child
Wm Shakespeare
DAD
Hey my sweet friend,
I hear you and I do sympathize. I think the ungrateful comes from the kids who have the most. I have one just like that and it does hurt………but the truth is, she knows you love her and time along with you and your loving ways will teach her how to grow and appreciate. She is too young to really know what she said…..She was only trying to get what she wanted. Not sure how that all came about but it’s usually about what they want. And your work is important (sounds like she could use a little mom lecture). Remember you will always be mom and she will need to listen to what you have to say as well
The toughest job ever, isn’t it???????? I will stand right with you on that one. For what it is worth……….You are a wonderful mom and when I say wonderful, I mean selfless (it shows).
Big Hugs!!
Robin
Awe…. I’m sorry hun!!! I feel your pain
Never question &/or doubt yourself… you are a wonderful mother and a wonderful person!!! Kids (those closest to us) seem to be the ones who hurt us the most, but I think that is b/c we love them so much. My boys are forever hurting my feelings (bringing tears to my eyes) and it really does suck! Being a parent truly is the hardest JOB, but also the most rewarding, so chin up and pour yourself a really-really big one 
Lots of hugs… Stef
Wow, I’m shocked she must have been tired ..because, Jen you know how I feel about you and Len and your parenting skills, you both do an excellent job. The only thing I can think of is, this must be the time in our lives when those golden words are passed down. In every generation there was this phrase that every mom said, so take Arianna and tell her she must be a little tired, lets you and I lay down a while, hold her close and cuddle and then at some rested state whisper in her ear, ” Honey, someday when you have kids, I hope your lucky enough to have one just like you!” Its fun to watch them
turn and look at you and to think, oh shit, I hope not, and how do you mean that? Its great ….Well, I thought it was funny..Its what I did. Your great. Your a wonderful mom. Take care.
Love,
Maryann