I want my Mom!

This morning, one of my whiney 4 year olds was sitting against the shelf pouting. I tend to be unsympathetic because she whines about everything. I went over, bent down and asked her what was wrong. "I want my mom" she cries. At first I am thinking logically and realistically, well... she's at work, there's not much I can do, so suck it up and come have lunch was my first thought. My heart was immediately softened, and I took her in my arms, telling her that I had lots of fun stuff planned for the day and that her mom would be here to pick her up before she knew it. I told her to just try not to think about it. As I held her, I started thinking about mothers and why they are so special; about why they are so comforting. When you're a child and you're with your mom, it's as though nothing is wrong in the world. Her presence alone is enough to fulfill you and complete whatever is missing. It is her constant providing, protecting, and loving that only a mother can offer that this little one longs for. I have several thoughts that branched off from here...

One was about my mother and how even though I'm 24 years old, I still long sometimes to go home, curl up on my mom's bed and just feel safe. Mothers are so safe and simple. I still feel like Caitlyn, leaning up against the shelf, hiding from the harsh realities of the world, crying and pouting for my mom.

I also think about myself and the children that I will someday have. I anticipate that bond that only a mother can have with her child. When he or she cries, it is the mother they want, whether they are an infant, a 4 year old or a 24 year old and no one else has the calming effect that a mother has. What a blessing, to be able to fulfill someone's deep need for safety and self-assurance. I can't wait to be a mom someday, to have my child run into my arms when I'm away from him or her. To hear the "I love you's" when I tuck them in at night. I can't wait to have my infant be crying and to take him/her in my arms and hush them with my words as I hold them tightly to my chest. I can't wait for them to smile at me and wave in choir concerts and soccer games when I come to watch. I know their heart will be swelling with pride - their mother came to watch them and cheer them on. And I will be swelling with love and pride as I watch them do their best. Whether they fall down, miss a goal, sing the wrong words - I'll always love them. It's unconditional love - that's what Caitlyn must have been crying for. Someday I get to have that...