As a parent of a single family home, I strive to always ensure that my child never feels like she is lacking anything .....food, toys, and clothing just to name a few. More than anything, I keenly focus on her emotional wellbeing. I think all parents do this - but for a single parent home we have to be overly aware of these things. We never ever want our children to feel incomplete, missing anything from their lives. But today I was deeply reminded that I can not give her everything. My most beautiful daughter is missing something. Earlier in the year I was purchasing something for my own Father for Father's Day. My daughter asked who the present was for. I told her how it was for my father, her grandpa. She put her head down and frowned. My heart dropped, already knowing why she was not smiling. My daughter looked down to the floor and said, "I don't have a gift to give anyone." My heart sank even more. This beautiful, amazing six year old had an empty spot in her heart. And despite my overly immense effort and doing all I could to protect her, love her, and remind her of her completeness, she felt incomplete. During these hard times, I always respond the same way, "God is your father. He loves you more than anything in the world." She usually responds with excitement, "Yes! And I have my bird, and grandma and grandpa, and my cousins too!" 2 Corinthians 6:18 tells us, "and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty.” What a great reminder of His love for us all! That even when people fail us (and trust me, they do and will), we have someone who will love us completely. It breaks my heart that no matter how hard I try in this earthly world that I can not protect her from all hurt. As my daughter grows older I know she will have more questions and this day will become even harder for her. Frankly, it sucks to know I can not protect her from all the hurt, but I know from my own hurt that it has made me so strong. So I know my girl is gonna be one fierce girl! |
AuthorMelissa Brown is a strong momma who lives in Wapakoneta, Ohio. She enjoys spending time with her daughter, Zoey, and taking long naps. Posts
May 2024
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