I have a great life. A wonderful husband, beautiful and healthy children, a loving family, a nice home, everything that I need. I'm blessed. That's all there is to it.
So I try not to complain when things aren't going my way because really, complaining never got anyone anywhere.
BUT, life is not perfect and sometimes things happen that you have no control over. Like tonight. I had to explain to my daughter, my 4 year old daughter, that her Nanny is sick. Parenting does not come with a handbook and I was in no way prepared to explain to my 4 year old what Cancer is. You see, my mom was diagnosed with Breast Cancer two months ago. I knew I was going to have to explain things to Addison eventually because she is old enough to realize something is just not right. I just wasn't ready to do it yet. I didn't know how to do it, but today, I knew it was time. I really expected her to have a full blown melt down.
She surprised me though! You know what she said? "Well, when we go back to Nanny's house I'm going to have to take her some food. Some fruit, like apples and bananas and pineapples and plums. And some celery. And if she gets sick and throws up, I"m just gonna have to clean it up. But I'm gonna need a wash rag that is already wet, okay mom?" You know what else she told me? "Mom, I don't want you to take Nanny to the doctor anymore. You can just take me to Nanny's house and I will take care of her while you take care of Daddy and James."
Then I had to explain to her that Nanny's hair was going to fall out because of the medicine she has to take, but not to worry because her hair would grow back. Do you know what she said? "Mommy, what color will it be when it grows back?" I said to her, "Well Addison, it will probably be dark brown or black, just like it is now." She says, "No, I bet it will be orange and white like your shirt. OR maybe it will be PINK cause that's my favorite color!"
Yea, I knew I was going to cry while we had this talk, but I had no idea I would be crying tears of sorrow AND tears of pride and joy. I am so proud of my little girl. While she may not fully understand the depth of the situation, she understands that our family is hurting. Instead of crying and getting sad, she just stepped right up and figured out the best way she could help. I was so terrified that seeing such hurt and pain at an early age would take a little piece of her innocence away and make her grow up just a little bit too fast. Maybe it will, but she is taking it in stride and I couldn't be more proud of her.
For the record, my mom is going to be just FINE. All of the cancer has been removed from her body and she is currently undergoing chemotherapy treatments. They suck. Cancer sucks. Seeing my mom suffer sucks! Telling my sweet, innocent 4 year old that her Nanny has cancer, sucked! BUT, we are STILL blessed.
When life hands you lemons you make lemonade, right?
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ReplyDeleteThis is such a sweet post. You have a great little girl, and I am glad to here your mom is going to be just fine.
Thank you so much Rebekah!
ReplyDeleteI never got to post to this...but every time I read it I cry....I love you and my precious Addison more than life itself...and I couldn't have made it through this without you. XOXO
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