What I Want for You

So, I am not quite sure what led me to this train of thought last night.  I don't know if it was just randomness in my head, or if it had to do with the fact that, since May 29th, there have been six different people who have died who were either related to or somehow connected with my immediate family.  To put this in perspective, I didn't have anyone that I knew pass away last year and the previous few years there was normally just one person.  So, this is a lot for me.  The most recent two people to pass away was someone I went to school with who was younger than me and a father who worked with my husband.  Both affected me in different ways, but they both got me to think about what I would want my kids to know before I would pass away.

I know, a morbid thought. 

Always a ham!

I started thinking about what I would want Sweet Pea to know about raising kids.  What I want Wildman to know about being a real man.  I want both of them to stick to their guns, yet be open minded enough to listen truly listen to someone.  Try and see their side.  I would want Sweet Pea to know that, no matter what anyone says, breastfeeding is best.  I want Wildman to support his future partner in whatever decision they would make, but to also know this (since he wants to breastfeed a baby, I think I have this covered with him).

I want them to know how much I love them. 
To have no regrets.
To live a life that makes them happy. 
To know that their parents aren't perfect, but darn well think they are.
To know that we are very proud of them already, and they should always be proud of themselves.

The list could go on and on.  I have been so lucky to have the family support I do.  I have really been able to raise both of my kids they way that worked best for me at that time without any outside pressure.  I sometimes wish that I had been able to do more of the things for Wildman that I have been able to do for Sweet Pea, but I know I was doing what was best for all of us at that time.  Plus, I don't think Wildman could have turned out to be any more wonderful than he already is.

The loves of my life!  I can tell they will always be there for each other!

I want you to think about what you want your kids to know.  Write it someplace, e-mail, journal, somewhere. 

I remember having to write to my future children when I was in college.  I wish I could find that letter and see what I thought I knew then and compare it to now. 

I have so many wishes for my kids, but I know they will travel the path that is best for them.  I just hope that I will always be there to help them when they need help, guide them when they need guidance, and to hold out a hand and help them dust themselves off when they stumble.

Make sure you tell those you love how much they mean to you everyday.  Especially your children, for, while adults may have years of memories of your time together, your children live in the here and now.  Make it count.