Children

"Parents can only give good advice or put them on the right paths, but the final forming of a person's character lies in their own hands." 
― Anne Frank

 If this is the case I have great children!! Even despite my parental skills my children all have great character.

In my adult life, as a mom,  there has been nothing more heart breaking to me than when my children are sad or upset or hurt by a circumstance they face. My boys had a bad day yesterday. My Mr. Sunshine has opted out of his hip hop class because the teachers told him the class that he enjoyed was too hard for him and he would have to go back to the earlier beginner class. Well two things, one the earlier class is too early for me to get him there and second most of the children in the class are younger than him and third, yes I thought of a third, the later class is longer. Mr. Sunshine does not dance so he can shine in the recital he dances for that challenge. He knows it is hard and above his present level but he is willing to work hard and told me he wants the challenge. Mr. Sunshine faces many challenges in life, a severe learning disability makes school work especially reading very difficult yet he works hard and ironically is also in the gifted and talented program, he swims with a really hard and rigorous swim team that really challenges his physical ability. The swim team however realizes that most of the kids will not be Michael Phelps but that it is important to learn how to swim and appreciate the sport for life long fitness and enjoyment and that you don't always have to be first. I guess that is not something they look to teach in dance even though most of those children will not grow up to be a Hines or Barishnikov. Mr. Sunshine remains Mr. Sunshine and makes my heart heal despite the ache I feel for him, how can I let my heart ache for a little boy who can get beyond insensitive adults.

As for my big boy on his way to see his best girl and gets called off. Family night. I totally understand but still as he left with such excitement only to call several minutes later despairingly saying he will be home, and do I want him to pick up his sister from dance. Heart ache!!!

Oh well this is what being a mom is about, the good, the bad and the heartache. I am fortunate to have such wonderful children! They rock my world but make my world and I am grateful to them for helping me develop my own character. And it is one of Gods greatest gifts to be able to watch them grow into the beautiful young men and women they are.