I feel like this past week has taken about 10 years off my life.
We have been struggling to find answers to a medical issue that my youngest has been dealing with off and on over the last couple of months. I have handled this pretty well overall, but her issues peaked earlier this week and all my emotions, worries and stresses came to a head as well.
Any decent parent would tell you that not knowing what is going on with your child’s health is one of the most heart wrenching parts of parenthood. Any time that they are sick, whether it be a simple cold, a virus or any type of pain, I wish that I could go through it for them. If this was an option, I would accept it without question or hesitation, every single time.
We were finally able to eliminate some of the scarier possibilities and have it narrowed down after a couple of labs, x-rays and a few trips to the doctor. We have worked out a treatment plan with the pediatrician and pray that it works. In the meantime, we are still dealing with some side effects which are to be expected.
I woke up yesterday morning and was ready to tackle everything I had scheduled to do that day, when she got sick again. I planned to still get everything done that I needed to do that day, but as I was laying down comforting her until this spell passed, she looked up at me and said, “I want you to stay with me today.”
And that is exactly what I did.
Yes, I had two meetings scheduled and another job to get to after that, but nothing was and will ever be more important than being there for my babies.
I am their safe base.
I have proudly served in this role since they were squalling newborns, temper tantrum-throwing toddlers and moody pre-teens, and will do so through the rebellious teens and confusing early adulthood years – for the rest of my life.
This is my most important job and one of the most paramount and valuable gifts I could ever give them.
I know we all have other jobs to maintain in order to keep a roof over our heads and food on the table, but knowing when to take time away from those jobs to show up and be present for your kids is crucial.
I am sure we have all seen different videos where a child is performing in a school play or something of the sort and they are on stage, looking around for a loved one and as soon as their eyes meet the one they are searching for, you can literally see the excitement and joy on their faces.
This is a perfect example of how showing up for our kids and being present really makes all the difference.
Isaiah 66:13: “As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you.”
(Paige Nash is a wife, mother, publisher of Bienville Parish Journal and Claiborne Parish Journal and a digital journalist for Webster Parish Journal.)