March 9, 2010

On Being a Parent

Being a parent goes beyond procreation.
It’s the sleepless nights from conception to the rest of the children’s lives.
The kisses that make their skinned knees and monsters go away.
It’s the vicious anger you feel when they get shoved in the slide
The grief they give as they run amok and generally just create messes
over and over again.
The tears you shed within when they cry as you discipline them.
The fears that choke you up, as you think of all the bad things
that can possibly happen to them.
The loneliness each time they let go of your hand
as they take their first step
as they grow up
as they make a life of their own.

I’m a proud parent and I have felt all these emotions.
It is exhausting.
But the joy - oh the joy of your little one’s smile…
Of their kisses and hugs…


There is no one I would rather be but me.