Day Three

It is now 6:15 am, finally slept half way decent last night, don't know why, am not going to question it, just going to enjoy it.

For those of you out there with small children, you are the luckiest people I know. Children bring so much into our lives. Things we never knew where missing, things we never knew we needed and things that if they were ever taken away would make our lives empty and un-meaningful.

They stay little and dependent for such a short time, before you know it they are first walking, running, talking and not listening like you figure they should. Embrace them every chance you get, tell them you love them more than they want to hear, and show your support every step of the way. Never neglect to tell them how much you are proud of them. Whether once they start school they come home with A's or C's. As long as they tried their best and you both know it or they joined a new club, just to try someting new. We also have to remember that our children need to have rules and you have to have the courage to enforce them. This is what makes them into the adults they are destined to become.

At some point you will hear your child say "I don't love you anymore", don't take it personally. They are just trying to get your attention. When this does happen, take them in your arms, hug them tight, and tell them that you will always love them no matter what. You may not always like your child, but you can't like everyone all the time. It is more a matter of not liking what they did or are doing than not liking them. Deep down they will love you no matter what, and they do grow out of that stage.

February 16 marks the 27th birthday of our one son, June 3 marks the anniversay of his death. He died from SIDS. No body should ever have to go through that. You learn from that day on to take life one day at a time.

20 years ago, last July, marked another down point in life. I miscarried. So for those of you saying, "She doesn't know what she is talking about" I probably know more than I should. Anytime you lose a child, it marks you in ways that you never thought were possible. Ways that change your life and your views about family and the way that you raise your other children.

Never let anyone make you feel that you are not a good parent, teacher or friend to your children. The only one who can decide that is you, at some point you will be a hero, a superstar, a best friend and a confidant. Take them all as they are offered and never look back and think you could have done different or better. You are doing just fine.