Lessons From Mother Nature

The other night I lay in bed, listening to the rain. 

As a child, I loved the rain. Probably had something to do with my soggy upbringing in the Pacific Northwest but I'm one of the rare ones that can honestly say that the rain always had ways of calming me, soothing me, and lulling me to sleep. 

As an adult? Not so much.

So as I laid awake in the guest room of my mother's home, listening to the symphony of my children's soft breath dancing along to the melody of the rain, my mind began to wander. 

Not to the events of the day or what was waiting for us in the morning, but to the colossal, insurmountable ways that I was screwing up my children. 

But this one is too this, I thought. 

And that one is too that. 

And don't even get me started on this. Or that.  And the other.

And those soggy thoughts followed me throughout the next day.  And the next. And nothing I did could get them away from me.  The umbrella I usually carry, the one that keeps out the self-doubt, that protects me from unwanted thoughts and worry, was useless against the punishing thoughts that rained down. 

And as all self-doubt does, it colored everything that I said and did.  My temper was short, my words were harsh and the chill from my own personal rainstorm was palpable. 

And then, as quickly as the rains came, they went.  I shook out that umbrella and popped it open, holding it high and refused to let the cold chill me anymore.  I took deep breaths, loved on my kids and did the best I could. 

Because here's the thing about rain:  like all things in life, we can look at it from two different perspectives.  It can be menacing, and chilling.  It can dampen everything around us and foil our plans.  It can keep us awake at night and soak our spirits. 

Or.

It can wash away the bad.  Feed the souls of those in need.  Cleanse our minds from the dirt that finds a way to sink in.  It can renew us and lull us into a perfect sleep. 

I'm not a perfect mom.  I can't sew.  I can't help with math homework past the fifth grade.  I can't reach things on the top shelf.  But I am the perfect mom for my four children.  The ones who love me regardless, who show up everyday to teach me and see through all my imperfections and think I'm the best mom there is.  Because to them, I am. And that's all a mother needs. 

The rains will come again.  They will do their best to wash away the good I'm so diligently trying to do.  Find a way to get through my trusty umbrella. They might seep into my bones for a bit.  

But just for a bit.

Because I'll be ready.  Standing tall, arms out wide, ready to dance in the rain. 

Five.

Dear Austin,

Really?  Five years old?  How in the world did that happen?

Here's the funny thing about you:  I never knew that we needed you.  We weren't planning on having you, not in the least and then one day, I knew.  Knew that there was a sweet little boy waiting to come to our family and once I knew, there was no turning back.  

Your dad was a little harder to convince but once he met you, well, there's nothing that could keep you two apart.  You are exactly what our family needed and you bring the rest of us so much happiness.  In a lot of ways, you are the baby to not just our family but several of our friends as well and the love that surrounds you is immeasurable.  You captivate everyone you meet and I'm told again and again what an amazing little man you are.  

I couldn't agree more.  

I was worried about the eight years that separates you and Spencer but the two of you have closed that gap like it's not even there.  To say that you love your big brother is like saying

the sky is blue;  you follow his every move and try your best to keep up.  Luckily, Spence feels the same way and rarely tires of your constant shadow.  I love watching the two of you together as you take on the world around you. 

And then there's the girls.  Hannah is a second mama to you and you love the way she cares for you.  Sienna can give you a run for your money but I often find the two of you wrapped up in some world you've created together.  One of my favorite things in the relationship you four kids have with one another.  It fortifies me to know that you will always have each other to love and lean on. 

As for me, well, you are my perfect little companion.  I love that you get excited about everything, both big and small and that in so many ways you're fearless.  I love that you still carry that blue blanket with the giraffe on it wherever you go and always look for me to snuggle with.  I love that your face falls into dimples when you smile which you do most of the time.  I love that are the perfect five-year-old blend of big kid and little kid and that you know your Mama loves you more than the air she breathes.  

You are the exact thing I never knew I wanted and I thank my lucky stars for you everyday. 

Happy Birthday, Auzzie.  

Love,

Mama