Its a Boy's Life

I wrote this as part of an essay contest... but never showed it to my Mom!!! So here you go, Happy Mother's Day Dee Dee, wish we could be with you today!!!

Motherhood is...

Motherhood is....a roll of toilet paper. Yes, that is it, that sums it up. Confused? Let me explain. Two years ago, I was blessed with twin boys, who were eight weeks early. After weeks and months of NICU, heart monitors, feeding tubes and open heart surgery for one of them, my husband decided his family wasn't what he wanted, after all. So there I was, unexpectedly a single mom with two 6 month-old boys , and completely devastated. My family and church rallied around me, and God provided in so many ways, big and small. My parents, in all of their Godly wisdom did not throw money at us or beg me to move home, instead helped me get back on my feet. I know my Mother's heart yearned to do more, to move, take, fix and do.  Instead, she chose to show me that I could do it. She supported in small ways that made a huge statement, like toilet paper. You see, every time my Mother came to visit, she stocked up my linen closet with toilet paper and paper towels etc. It seems so silly now, but there was something so tangible and comforting in knowing that it was taken care of.  The first time I came upon the full closet, I stood and wept. I felt  the depth of my Mom's love and understanding that, even though she may not be great with words, her actions spoke her heart so loudly. She was able to help, love and provide without smothering us. Of course, my Mother helped in other ways, but for me, this one made such an impact.

 Almost 2 years later, I am more than able to buy my own toilet paper. And even though my children and I may not have the nicest and best of everything, we have so much more than what we need. I pray that through my every day actions, big and small, my boys will see they are loved and provided for. I pray that I can be the kind of Mom that never smothers, but enables and challenges her children, securing them in the knowledge that they are more than capable and equipped! And every so often, I am reminded of this myself, when my own mother comes to visit, and brings toilet paper.

PS, Mom I love you :)