We danced in the rain, arms outstretched, face upwards.
We water-colored and crayon colored.
We cooked and sang.
We kicked a soccer ball and practiced writing the letter S.
We read books and looked for hidden objects in the pictures.
There are a million things my mind tells me I should be doing. Like packing to move 400? miles away. And cleaning the house. And fulfilling commitments that I promised I would do. I should be doing laundry and keeping a more daily skin regimen and I should not be eating icing from the can with a spoon.
I sneak in my “Me” moments, (which are not “Me” moments at all, but just the stuff you have to do to keep life running) at times when I can. I try so hard to balance the attention I give her with the other things that need my attention. Am I harming her more than helping, I can’t help but wonder. Will she turn into one of those entitled, selfish brats that I read so many articles about because of my “overparenting”?
Those are the things my mind tells me. And my heart tells me that sticky fingers do indeed wash and wearing the same jeans two days in a row is not the end of the world. That knowing she is loved and cared for is truly more important, isn’t it? Isn’t it the most important? My heart tells me this time with my daughter is short; shorter than I realize. I have friends posting graduation pictures of their children on social media, and I count the years remaining. Fifteen. I actually count those years more often than I should. Fifteen years until I can have an uninterrupted conversation with my husband. Fifteen years until I can sleep late again. Fifteen years until I can go to the bathroom without someone barging in. Actually, I have way less than fifteen, I know.
Motherhood is such a battle at times. Your heart battles your mind. Your shoulds battle your should nots. Your selfishness battles your self-sacrifice.
Some days I wish it were easier. I wish that I could be assured that everything I’m doing is right and good and that this little person is going to grow up with fond memories of family and fun and me. That she will possess responsibility, integrity, morals, and high standards. That she will grow up self-sufficient and independent, yet never act arrogant nor pretentious. That she will grow up and know love, and be able to show love to others. I choose to give her my time and my attention. I choose to help her know she is important and she matters. Only time will tell if I’m doing it all wrong.
We picked a fluffy dandelion and she asked me what I wish for. I looked into her deep brown eyes and said I already have everything I could ever need. I wish for her wishes to come true. She looked around the yard and saw her purple chair and said she wishes for a purple chair.
Perhaps we both already have everything we need.
That’s what I hope.
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Angel Wheeler 
Angel, dear friend ,,, don’t ever question whether you should choose between dancing in the rain, coloring and reading books with your precious child, or doing laundry and cleaning the house!! She is never going to remember if the beds were made or the towels were folded a certain way, but she WILL definitely remember snow angels, picnics and all the other many things you and she have shared!!! Do what you do with no regrets or explanations to others for what you know in your heart is right for you and your family. With a heavy heart I tell you why this is so important. Today one of Omaha’s finest young police officers was shot and killed while trying to serve an arrest warrant on a known gang member wanted for a murder last year. SHE (yes, she) was a 29 year old wife and mother of a 7 and 9 year old and a baby girl born in February that has been in the NICU since birth and was to be coming home tomorrow! She had just gone back to work from maternity leave a short time ago. Our city is in mourning for this family, and it is a wake up call for everyone that we never know how much time we have left with those we love! I ask that you join us in praying for this officer’s family and all who put their lives on the line every day. Hold your beautiful child close tonight and know you have filled her day with lasting memories. There is nothing more important! Love you all … until next time. Donna H.
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