Below is an excerpt from my journaling. It's kind of random - there's backstory missing, which will come as I start posting again here. Reenie

Today I talked with my youngest son, who reminded me that the reason I had a third child was so I'd have someone during times like this. Wicked, fabulous, delicious humor courses through this family's veins.

The reference was made because I'd sent an email last evening, emphasizing that I never wanted to be a burden or an intrusion etc. Today he reminded me of a conversation we'd had a while back and it's something I share here because I think it's important for all of us to remember as life throws us the expected unexpected.

Our children prefer events to be front-loaded instead of back-loaded. If we're having a bad day, front-load with a call ASAP instead of back-loading after the fact. In my son's situation, he remarked, "Nothing in my life - a pretend brief I'm preparing for Moot court, for example - will ever be more important than hearing from my mother." He made it so beautifully clear that it's heartbreaking when he discovers I've had a few stumbly days and endured in silence.

It's a delicate balance, isn't it? We parents are so accustomed to doing the parenting, which includes protecting and shielding our loved ones from the inevitable pains and challenges of life. It's not that I've ignored or forgotten that my children are amazing adults of grace and integrity and honor and faith and values and heart. No, it's not that I don't recognize those qualities - in fact I embrace them with such gratitude. It's just that I still feel like a parent protecting and shielding.

My conversation with my youngest was such a gift. It's time to let my children parent me for a while. Then when I'm well again... well, I'll take back the mantle, of course!