Counting My Blessings

Parenting

by Lamar Tyler | on June 11th, 2009 | 8 comments

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by Eric Payne

Something as simple as sitting in the park with my daughter one sunny afternoon left me paralyzed with fear. She sat beside me on a bench eating a Dora the Explorer-sicle with her left hand while patting my leg with her right. I looked at her little hand and it looked just like mine so many years ago. “God, what have I done?” I asked myself. I’ve created another human being who looks and acts like me, but with her own style and flavor. She’s got her own thoughts and dreams that have nothing to do with me. Out of the corner of my eye I see my thirteen year old boy holding his own as he plays ball with kids from the neighborhood. Although we share no biological traits he’s come to emulate me in so many ways I feel like I’ve been there with him since he was born. What in the world am I supposed to do with these two people who call me, “Dad”?

The weight of it all suddenly had me panicked on that bench. But then I began to think about the little things:

·    My daughter telling me, “I love you,” without any prompting.
·    My son hugging everyone in the house before going to bed each night.
·    My daughter asking me if I’m okay when she knows things are not okay.
·    Both of my children blessing their food when a plate is set in front of them.
·    My daughter practicing the names of all her family members and proudly announcing that they belong to her.
·    My son reading to my daughter before she goes to bed, taking her to brush her teeth and wash her hands, with no concern for losing cool points.
·    Watching them both act as polite and respectful children in public, to their elders and even their peers.

This list could probably go on forever if I took the time to think of everything. And all of it is a blessing. It’s the little things that overshadow the enormous challenge of raising children in this day and age, making it a joy rather than a burden. If you are a parent reading this, I hope you feel the same way.

BMWK, what are some of the little things you count your blessings for when it comes to your children?

Check Eric out at MakesMeWannaHoller.com where he discusses family, fatherhood and everything in between. He is also the author of I See Through Eyes, a book of poetry and short stories.

About the author

Lamar and Ronnie Tyler are the creators of the award-winning blog BlackandMarriedWithKids.com . They also are behind the Amazon.com bestselling DVDs Happily Ever After: A Positive Image of Black Marriage, You Saved Me and Men Ain’t Boys that explores manhood in the African American community. The Tylers are also the proud parents of four children.

LaKeyshaF

I love how my 1 year old reclines on me with her little hand behind her head and the other holding my cell phone to her ear talking-babbling-to her grandmother.

I love how when her dad plays with her she still smiles over at me to include me in her fun.

Those little things get me every time…
http://theyoungmommylife.com Tara Pringle Jefferson

Aww! So sweet.

Yes, my daughter always wants me to tell her a story before bed, even though I tell her the same one every night.

I love how she runs in the house after daycare and jumps in my arms and says, “I missed you so much today!”

I love how my son wakes up, sees me in his room, then jumps up and gives me a big grin like now that mommy’s here, everything’s alright in the world…

Tara Pringle Jeffersons last blog post..Touching…
Harriet

My son telling me to tell his daddy bye before we leave the house.

When he sees my husband and i kissing, he gets in the middle, wants to be picked up, and then alternates between the two of us getting kisses on the forehead.

His teachers telling me that when it’s snack time, he’s the only child that ever says “thank you” when they give him his snack.

When I go pick him up from school, how he gets a running start and tackles me with a hug whenever he sees me.

His sound effects when he eats the food I cook: “Mmmm, Mommy! GOOD!” LOL
Staycee2

I love the fact that when I’m out in public with my 11 year old daughter & my 3 year old son they will blurt out at any given moment, “love you mom” (and include any other family member that is present, but it ALWAYS start out with ME-MOM)!!!!! I love how they reassure me JUST BECAUSE!!! People look at me all the time and say, “aaawww that is so sweet” and just stare at whichever one of them that blurts it out.

Despite the fact that my kids fight each other like cats & dogs. They love each other & I love them unconditionally!!!!

I don’t know what I would do without them!!!!!!!!
Tyrone

I love the fact how my 7 year old daughter mothers her younger brothers and teach them. Also when my 5 year old son reads to the 3 year old. Then the 3 year old is so gentle with the new born. Each night before bed they come and give hugs and kisses.

Yes, like Staycee they fight at times but they also show they love each.
Anna

To all in the room with younger children, continue to do what you do. Kids will grow up and pay it forward.(they will remember you spent time with them). My 19 and 21 yr. old went to a baseball game with me and pops tonight. It’s Friday night and they chose to hang out with us. They have their own cars and could have left to go anywhere. We did not have to twist their arm(s) and we all had a great time. If that is not being blessed with young adult children I don’t know what is besides the fact that they are not in jail, on probation or disrespectful. When kids are younger you do see “you” in them. When they get older and you see “more mature” pieces of you in them it is really amazing. BTW our Mud Hens won the baseball game. We played a team called the “Red Wings”. Too bad for the Detroit Red Wings(hockey) for not winning “The Stanley Cup”. At least there was a game 7. Can’t wait for the LA & Magic game(basketball).
Natural_Oasis

I love it when my 2 yr old, Amir, out of the blue will see me sitting on the couch and immediately climb on my lap and ask me “Are you ok?” I always smile and say yes and then he says “OK” and will procede to give me a kiss on each cheek! He always manages to put a smile on my face no matter what. I am so in love with him and his dad (hubby), they keep me entertained.
CartersMom

I love when I pick up my son at daycare everyone in the room becomes invisible.
I love when I a m having a bad day at work my son always find a way to make me smile.
I love that my son calls me ”my mommy” and calls my husband mom sometimes
I love the way I am as a mother and I am so greatful that God has blessed me with my beautiful bundle of joy

Counting My Blessings

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