Morning Reflection

I could have sworn it was Wednesday until about an hour ago. I've been busy this week and managed to lose an entire day.

I've been working all night, on and off, multitasking, checking boxes, and refining my path to success. My body is tired, but my mind is wide awake and alive. I am in a state of transformation, powered by creativity and the drive for self-improvement. I was grateful to be awake when I heard my son's footsteps at 4 a.m.

Gabriel clutched his comforter and tiptoed into the living room. His eyes brimmed with tears, and his brow furrowed in worry. I took him into my arms, relieved he wasn't suffering alone. I asked him why he wasn't sleeping. He told me he was afraid of the dark. I held him close and kissed the top of his head.

"You are okay. There's nothing wrong. You are safe in your home. Your mommy and daddy love you. You don't have to be afraid." I repeated these phrases over and over until I felt him relax.

The thought of him lying alone, afraid in the dark, was more than I could bear.

"You can wake Mommy and Daddy up anytime you need to. Please come get us. You are never alone, Gabriel."

I know that feeling of isolation. A darkened room can create an overwhelming sense of anxiety. I needed to take that burden off his little shoulders.

Beneath his tough exterior, my son is sensitive and thoughtful. He is also a storyteller, eager to share his dreams and aspirations. His creativity amazes me.

Most recently, he told me he wanted to be a luchador when he grew up. He wants to buy me a mansion next door to his own. His beautiful soul must be protected and nurtured.

I fear he could break, but doesn't every mother feel this way? Isn't this the drive that urges us to do our best?

My little boy needs a gentle hand and soft words, even when his stubborn nature gets the best of him. At the same time, he must be prepared for the reality of the world around him. Life will always come with challenges, and people can be unkind.

As he grows up, I will be here to teach him, a guiding light on the path to his future. I am so grateful for my son, who brings out the best in me.

This morning, I was present, regretting any time I had previously been distracted or appeared unapproachable. I knew what to say to ease his mind. Having lived through it myself, I felt everything he described to me. I distinctly remember my childhood fears and uncertainties. Fortunately, memories of my mother's love overpowered that distant darkness. It is the same love I give to my children.

Motherhood is a tremendous weight and has its own center of gravity. It constantly reminds me how quickly time passes. My husband says, "The days are long, but the years are short." Every day is a precious opportunity to improve myself and positively impact my children.

I want to instill in them a realistic perspective of how beautiful and challenging life can be simultaneously. They may fall, but I pray they will find the strength to stand again. I set that example. My children have witnessed my struggle and then watched as I pulled myself up by the bootstraps. There is a clean slate waiting for us every morning.

Gabriel started his day with a clean slate, his fears melting away as the sun rose in the sky. I was filled with pride in my ability to comfort him. He reciprocated my unconditional love, and I taught him how to do that. He needs to know that it's okay to acknowledge emotion. Emotions are a part of our humanity. They drive empathy and connection. Sometimes, we all need help processing the darker feelings life can present. That's what moms are for.

A Special Note to Moms…
Moms, take pride in knowing you're doing your best...because YOU ARE! We have the most demanding job in the world. Nothing prepares us for every situation. Even little moments can be powerful. I felt that this morning. Share your stories. Express your frustration. Celebrate your wins! We can comfort our kids and set important boundaries at the same time. Parents make mistakes, but admitting our fallibility to our kids creates balance in their worlds. Children are resilient. Telling the truth makes us all better people.