A recent national news program showed climbers lining up on Mount Everest like shoppers waiting in front of Walmart on Black Friday. My thought was some people climb mountains for a thrill–others raise children for a lifelong challenge.
That first day I leaned over the toilet bowl with morning sickness, each of our three kids carved out a part of my life. Like all mothers-to-be of my era, I studied Dr. Spock’s book, Baby and Child Care, but nothing prepared me for parenthood.
With three babies in four years, we had sieges of development such as toilet training. When Linda, Lisa and Kurt were toddlers, they liked to play in the pots and pans cupboard in the kitchen while I was making a farmer’s meal. I wondered if I would ever walk across the linoleum normally instead of shuffling my feet so I didn’t trip oever a child or a skillet. At least I knew where they were and what they were doing.
Grade school days brought skinned knees, bruises and stitches as the fledglings tested their wings. A new authority was often quoted, “My teacher said…” High school meant moments of elation, broken hearts and a driver’s license.
When a child turns eighteen, the government says he or she is a grown-up and grants independence. I could no longer heal injuries with a BAND-AID and a kiss. My advice was often unwanted. First jobs were begun.
As our adults matured, parental counsel was again sought. Young people are more adept at modern technology, but many of life’s problems remain the same from generation to generation and experience counts. I may not know the answer, but I have a sympathetic ear.
Today, Lisa and Kurt are middle-aged and Linda has died, but they are still part of my thoughts the same as when they were under my feet. Our family has grown to include daughter-in-law, Sandy, and grandadults, Katelyn and Jacob.
What do you find challenging in your life?