Simply a Mother

 What is there to chat about when you have six children plus a son in law and a grandson and they all live in your house? I can chat about them! 

I'll start with my son in law. He likes to change up his hair style often. I love it because it reminds me of my husband in our early years together. He had so many different looks. My son in law loves his friends and his family. He loves to get outside and be steeped in adventure. He is a gift to our family in that he doesn't act like he is better than us. He accepts us for who we are. He is kind and funny and authentic. We are thankful for him.

Then there is my grandson. He is so full of joy and wonder and sweetness. I am so thankful for him. His smile makes his nose crinkle, his eyes light up, and he waves hello and just shines. He is a precious miracle in our family and has brought us all together again. 

My oldest daughter ~ my greatest gift from another. She loves to be out and about. She has always been so social, so sweet, so caring, so fun and loving of adventure. I appreciate her fearlessness and confidence in trying new things that she is interested in. I love going for walks with her with all her younger siblings and feeling so deeply thankful that we can do this! 

My oldest son is the sweetest human and so funny. He is gentle, kind and loyal. Life has been challenging for him. He has had to overcome a lot of challenges and he has been such a fighter. His imagination and capacity to care have been inspiring to me. 

My bright eyed daughter who has always been precious. I think of her as snuggly and bright eyed, strong and determined. She often led the way for my older son in terms of things like riding a bike or learning new things. She was brave and he was not. She was determined and he was worried. She shone with joy and sweetness and so did he. They made a good pair. Now she milks three hundred cows at a time, is fierce on the basketball court, has the cutest giggle, and loves her friends and siblings. She is everyone's favourite sibling. 

My youngest son is the son I think of as 'my most Irish child'. During the years of reading many novels I have come to think of Irish men as strong, determined, fiery survivors. They are fierce warriors, loyal, determined, hot tempered people. My son is full of fire. He is also gentle and sweet and thoughtful. He is determined and his brain is brilliant. He adds so much to our family.

My promised daughter ~ my six year old. She came to me after two losses and in utero she could sense my thoughts and respond to me. She is so sensitive and so sweet. She is also creative and caring and would love to be a friend. She is a precious sister and a beautiful part of our family.

My baby girl ~ she is two and really starting to express her thoughts and feelings. She is sassy and busy and sweet and caring. She loves you and she tells you. She is so funny. She is also so coordinated and active. 

I cannot even fathom that these treasures are my own sometimes. I started out my married journey wide eyed and incredibly hopeful. After one year of marriage I got cancer in my uterus and was told I may never have children. Here I am twenty one years later. These children are my legacy, my loves, my heart. I have given all of myself for them. I have agonized in their agony, and I have waged war for them on every level. I have sacrificed so much for their care and keeping. And so, there is not much I can talk about now other than them. I am simple,  but this is what I am. I am a mother. 

xo