You Can
Do It, Can I?
I still resent the assertion that childhood is without a
doubt the best time of a person’s life. Mine wasn’t. It was often
painful, frustrating, scary, and unfair. In spite of all the hype, I still say
that being a kid is almost as hard as being a parent. Our children need our
encouragement to make it safely through the tunnel of childhood.
I remember growing tearful as I read about a young woman
who ran in a long and difficult marathon. She grew increasingly weary, and it
began to look to those observing her, as though she might not make it. Just
before the end of the race, an older lady jumped out of the crowd, took hold of
the younger woman’s hand, raised their joined arms in victory, and they
stumbled down the last stretch. Daughter exhausted, mother determined - and
they crossed the finish line together.
I can’t run your races for you, but I can cheer you
on, believe in you, push and pull you a little from time to time, and see you
through. To encourage doesn’t mean to flatter, give undeserved and thus
meaningless praise, or to manipulate you into doing what you don't want to do -
even if it’s best for you. To encourage means to inspire, to provide
reassurance and support, and to give courage to. How can I expect you to face
the world with all of its’ pain and uncertainty - without regular doses of
it? I believe sweetheart with all of my heart that you can do what you need to
do. But I have to do my part.
Love, Mom
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