I am Here

I just started reading Hands Free Life, by Rachel Macy Stafford. I loved her first book, and I have had this book sitting on my night stand for months. I love her writing. It gives me an overwhelming sense of rest and peace, and helps me to just slow down and be. As I started reading, I couldn’t even get past her introduction. She tells a story of her daughter waking up in the middle of the night (we can all relate), and telling her mom to stay with her…., “Stay, Mama.” She then says to her daughter…, “I am here.”

These 3 words sparked multiple emotions in me immediately. I had to put the book down. My mind starting spinning to my kids and what the past 6 months had looked like for us. It had been a lot for these two little people. They had lost their first grandparent. They had experienced every one of their grandparents in the emergency room, some more than once. They lost a pet. They were in a new season of life, growing older, finding their way, feeling uncertain, a bit lost, and navigating a new time of life. It had been hard. Yes, we had many talks, lots of tears, mood swings, bad days and good days. We felt closer at times, but sometimes felt so distant.

I am sure many of you can relate, even with different challenges, our struggles are many times so similar.

All of a sudden I was overwhelmed by those three words, “I am here.” Had I truly told them this enough? No matter what, had I told them enough, that I am always here for them. This, is really what matters the most. We all need to feel the unconditional love, support and safety of a place to fall and someone being there. Especially as kids, they don’t feel that comfort from many places. They feel vulnerable, insecure and uncomfortable most of the time.

We try to talk, but life goes on. It is hard to get everything out. I know. It is hard for us big people to talk. It is hard for adults to take time to grieve, and fully talk about what they feel. Life keeps going. There are things to take care of. If we know it is this hard for us, we know it is really hard for them.

We reach out to adults and check on them. We know they need it. I know now what I wasn’t doing enough of. As much as I try, I miss the mark so often, especially when life throws many curve balls. Too many things to juggle. I am sure you can relate. We all have different curve balls. We are all juggling many things. Our lives are so different, with different challenges, but so much of the same feelings and emotions. Even though are hardships are different, so many of our struggles are so similar.

Let’s not miss what is most important.

Let’s not get caught up in getting things done, when our little ones just need us. THIS is what we need to “get done” today. Just being there for them. Telling them that we are HERE for them always.

If these curve balls are hard for us, think about how our little ones feel.

If you are being pulled in many places, think about how your little ones feel.

If you are feeling overwhelmed, and like you aren’t giving your best in parts of your life, especially to your family and your kids, think about how your little ones feel.

Stop and breathe. Say a prayer…more than one. Take time to ask for strength, patience, acceptance and understanding. Take time to pray that you will BE where you need to BE. Pray these words with your kids. Give them these words to pray. Hug them…longer than usual. Just let them know that you are always there.

Say those words to them today…”I am here.”

Be there today for them. Just be there.