Tuesday, November 16, 2010

PostHeaderIcon Jenn: On My Mind

"Always be kinder than necessary, everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle" ~ James M. Barrie

A friend posted that quote on facebook yesterday.  I read it and thought so true and put it out of my mind. Last night I was sitting at dance talking to one of the other dance Mom's and two grandma's.  We were really just passing time when one of them said something about a young friend of hers having brain cancer.  The other Mom in the group said she had brain cancer and went on to tell what was a harrowing story.  Of being in the hospital with a 10-year-old, twin 5- year- old and a 4 -year -old at home.  Of almost dying and her husband having to make some agonizing decisions while she was in a coma. Of coming home and her children being terrified of her because she was bald and bruised and didn't look like their Mommy anymore. Of taking a year and a half to recover and still after 8 years, of having to be tested every 6 months.  I sat there silently.  This woman is one of the nicest people I have ever met.  She would give you the shirt off her back if you needed it.  After all she has gone through, she has a perspective I don't have first hand.  It can all be gone tomorrow so make the most of it today. 

The dance Mom's story is extreme.  But think about all the other stories out there that you don't know about.  About why someone might be having a bad day.  Maybe they got in a fight with their spouse.  Maybe the bills are due and they are trying to figure out how to pay them.  Maybe they are fighting a health issue.  I think kindness goes along way.  This morning driving my son to school, there was a long line to turn into the school.  There were some cars trying to come out of the street right before the school.  I stopped and let three cars turn in front of me. My son said "no need to be so kind mother" to which I replied yes there is.  Maybe one of those people will let someone else in next time. I have sat at that corner and no one let me in so hopefully one of those drivers will be kind.  One small step at a time. 

Thanksgiving is next week.  Christmas is in a month.  The holidays are a time for family and friends and good cheer - maybe even a little extra kindness this year.

Cara's two cents: Well said, my friend.

3 comments:

Lisa Kennedy said...

Jenn-I agree 100% on that.

This is long so if you don't want to post it-- it's fine.

I just want to say I am inspired by women and mothers in general.

There is a mom Tammy (also 3 sons) in my youngest son's boyscout troop. She has serious breast cancer she has been battling for a few years. She is STILL in charge of fundraising, she comes to every committee meeting and scout meeting. She wears her colorful scarves, pretty jewelry and she even puts on these pretty fake eyelashes, because I sure she has none.

I have had 2 spinal surgeries in the last few weeks because of a bad staff infection and it just so happened that the very day I came home from #2 surgery was Tommy's Code of Honor ceremony where he got his badges he worked so hard to earn. I am not gonna lie... I didn't want to go--- I felt like I had been run over by a bus I had every excuse in the world not to go. My husband would be there, my other sons would be there and then I thought of Tammy. I thought to myself-- I know she will be there,I know even of she looks weak she will smile and that gave me the strength to put on some make-up, throw on some decent clothes and go to his ceremony.... and there she was-- like always with her bright colorful scarf, tired but smiling.

As My son went up to receive his honors.... As kids always do his eyes locked with mine and I smiled at him and he smiled at me.

So today I am going to say I am Thankful for Women and mothers that inspire us to look past what we "think" we can't do.

Tammy came up to me... CAME UP TO ME... to ask me how I was doing? I took her into the school hallway and told her she was the reason I had the strength to get there that night and how Tommy smiled at me and I smiled back at him, and we both cried like asses in that hallway.

I am a tough cookie, but as I write this tears are running down my face and I think they always will whenever I think of that day and what I learned.

Thanks to all the women and mothers out there that inspire us in quiet ways :)

Cara said...

NO comment is too long!!! Thanks for this one...it was inspirational. You go Mama!!!

Anonymous said...

Amen, Ladies! You all inspire!

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