My Children Through Someone Else's Eyes

This weekend was beautiful. I drove out to Arizona with my Dad. We came to visit my Mom's grave and to hug family that we had not seen for much too long. It was the first time Micaela has ever made the trip and the first time most of them had even been able to touch her. Adela seemed to fall instantly in love with all the aunts, uncles, and cousins that she had not hugged in nearly two years. Every moment was precious and I was so thankful this trip had finally happened.

​I have a cousin who is more like a sister. Her name is Christine. She is simply one of those people in my life who I will always be close to even if we go a year without speaking a word. Her love and friendship is a constant in my life. I couldn't get enough of watching her two year-old girl play and talk. I soaked up every nuance of her beautiful personality, so eager to get to know this tiny person who owned a piece of my heart even though she did not recognize my face. It was fun to see bits and pieces of my cousin, my aunt, my deceased uncle, and my cousin's husband in this little girl. My eyes misted with tears from the amazement I felt. A child is such an incredible creation.

​Funny, but my cousin said the same thing about my girls, and being a talented photographer, I actually got to peek inside her head and see my children through her eyes. I saw two little girls that were loved and cherished beyond belief even if they were sassy and exhausted, even if they had special needs and an uncertain future, my girls are so loved.

​You know, it has never been our job to love our children all alone. There are so many loving hearts out there who understand the perfect creations that are our kids. From the preschool teacher who smiles at Adela as she walks her to the bus to the neighbors who eagerly hold out arms for Micaela whenever they are near, God has blessed my daily life with people who have hearts of love for my little ones even when I am exhausted.

​I know people often feel discouraged by this life and this world, but I have seen more unrequested love since I became a mother than I ever thought possible.

​Thank you, God, for so blessing me, for blessing us, for blessing my family.

---

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
​James 1:17 NIV