February 3, 2006 11:26 AM
And now to return to our regular programming
Okay, I just want to clarify that the goal of this blog is to unburden, enlighten, and empower mothers.
I think I've been a little heavy on the enlighten side lately. I also know that there are lots of moms (and even dads) who stop by here for the unburdening and empowering stuff - practical ideas on how to help your children reach their true potential while you reach your own. I know that not every reader here is on the same page politically or in terms of our faith.
I appreciate those of you who stick around then even when things get a little uncomfortable. I do think that when we start raising our kids, it takes a while to start looking down the road to see where you want them to be in ten years and in twenty. Parents tend to get more conservative as we understand the seriousness of raising kids. Maybe, like me, you fooled around too much and know the baggage that comes with that.
There's nothing like parenthood to challenge your old assumptions. I was talking to a friend of mine the other day who's always thought of herself as a Democrat, but she was so turned off by the Alito hearings that it's even driven her to question whether maybe Roe v. Wade should be overturned.
"After all," she said, "We didn't know as much as we do now. There were no ultrasounds. I used to think I'd never have an abortion myself, but I wouldn't want to make that choice for someone else. Now I don't know what to think."
What changed her? Well possibly the fact that she has five children 5-15. The oldest two are girls. And the youngest has Down syndrome.
If you are an open-minded person, you are sure to find that even though we approach parenthood thinking we will help our children reach their potential, at the same time God is helping us reach ours. Even if you're not a believer, you surely have noticed what a better person you are because of the children in your life.
Since I've been doing this for 36 years - really raised two generations - and since I was a mother who didn't do well at first but was given a second chance - I am really committed to sharing what I've learned.
So for those of you who've been sticking it out even when you don't agree with me - we will be back on topic soon. Right now a lot of my thought about raising kids is going into the book I'm working on.
Blessings to you and yours,
Barbara
Posted in Family, Mothering | Permalink
Comments
Looking forward to reading some lighter post entries. While I have had to think more about certain things these past few days, sometimes something will weigh on my heart so much that it takes me away from what is really important which is ultimatly setting an example for Christ - to others but first and foremost to my children.
Mrs. DMG
Posted by: Mrs. DMG | February 3, 2006 11:58 AM
While goggling, “toad in a hole”, I found your blog. I am a SAHM mom to three girls. I was looking for something fun and easy for dinner tonight because I was just feeling tired and overwhelmed. My youngest is 2 years old and just happens to have Down syndrome. We are doing all of the early intervention “stuff”; ei, ot, pt and speech and sometimes it gets to be a lot. While bathing my little ones today, it dawned on me that over the last few months I have been doing cleaning, cooking and early intervention, fixing things but I have been forgetting one important thing and that is to ENJOY my days with my children. So, after this email that I am sending to you, I am going to play and enjoy my day with them. Later, when they are in bed, I will read some more of your blog. But, so far I really like what you write.
…about what you wrote today about Democrats and abortion…I have been a life long liberal Democrat but now that I am older and wiser I am so saddened by abortion. People are choosing to abort their babies not because they don’t want children, but they are using tests and abortion to get the perfect child. 80-90 of moms who are told that the baby that they are carrying has DS, choose to abort their child. That makes me sad….
Well…..I better stop now and get to my business of enjoying my girls!
Posted by: Dawn | February 3, 2006 1:43 PM
welcome Dawn! you'll find lots of heart here!
Posted by: floorplan | February 3, 2006 5:53 PM
