Day Six: My Thanks to all the Moms of the World

Moms, or more accurately, all women who play that role in the lives of children, are nothing short of amazing. So what would have me say something like this? Perhaps after all these years I finally figured it out? Sadly no, as I've already know this for years. Maybe then I saw a good movie and thought "boy was that actress who played the Mom great"? Again no, as the last movie I watched was District 9 and there rarely a mother figure in that. I guess you'll just have to read the blog through to the end. I'll warn you though, the reading of the contents herein might have you shaking your head at the skill ability of the opposite sex when it comes to child minding.

The opportunity for my day six gift actually began on the morning of day four, as our family took in two small children in need of care. A boy aged 15 months and his older sister of 2 1/2 years. Their mother is experiencing some challenges in her life and needs some time to work through them. Family has always been important to both my wife and I, so we as a "family unit" chose to open our home. Our family unit consists of my wife and I, her 22 year old son and live in girlfriend, her 17 year old daughter and my 14 year old son. A typical family of today. Both my wife and son's girlfriend (an experienced nanny) would handle the majority of caring for the children.

Now to answer my statement of why women are so amazing. My wife asked me to put the kids to bed as she was feeling rather tired. I could totally relate as it had been over 10 years since I had done anything like that too. Once complete we went to bed for a much deserved sleep. Only a few hours had passed when I awoke to hearing my wife in our ensuite bathroom being sick. Apparently the stomach flu was a gift brought into the house by one of the children. She was concerned about the children and asked if I would keep my ear out for them through the night. She would have our sons girlfriend watch them in the morning. "Sure" I replied, it's not like I haven't done a night shift or two in my lifetime.

I spent the remainder of the night between checking on the children and being up and down with my wife as she suffered through the joys of stomach flu. It was like I was a teenager again, helping the friend who had too much to drink, keeping their hair out of the vomit, etc..., then going out to check on the ride home.

It was nearing dawn as I thought my shift was coming to an end, soon I'll get to finally get some sleep. At 7:36am, the first of the children awoke followed closely by the second. I went about doing all those things that needed to be done and again for the record, it's been over 10 years! Busy by the many things to do, I wondered where my relief was. My relief lives only upstairs in a in-law suite so it defiantly wasn't traffic that was keeping her. Perhaps the alarm didn't go off, but I am sure that the sound of two crying babies would rouse almost anyone out of bed, not to mention the two barking dogs who had yet to get familiar with the sounds babies make. I would have just walked up the stairs and knocked on the door but when would I have the time to do so. On to breakfast and my relief would soon be here... I hope? I did learn that even though kids love cheerios dry, just add a little milk and they hate them. Hate them enough to just push the entire bowl off the edge of the high chair and onto the floor! Oh, the dogs are very quickly warming up to the idea of the little ones in the house. 8:48 am, now what...

Just then a heard a door open and those long awaited footsteps.... then a voice spoke and said "I am sorry, she has the stomach flu as well and was up all night too. You'll have to watch the kids all day okay"

What choice was there. I have always been someone who could be counted on to do what needed to be done regardless of the circumstances. Well this was just another opportunity to further demonstrate this skill.

The remainder of the day involved, walking the dog, playing, cleaning up, more playing, lunch, nap time, more playing, more cleaning up, dinner, bath time and finally at 8:02pm bedtime. I manage to accomplish all that as well as laundry, cleaning up the kitchen in what seem to be a dozen times. Now I have done many 12 hour shifts and even longer, but none would rival this is leaving me completely exhausted.

Now as most of you read this you are probably thinking to yourselves "yes, but what is the big deal, that's what I do and more on a daily basis" It is for that in which I am thanking you for, the difference you make in the lives of our future leaders, bosses, coworkers, girlfriends, boyfriends, husbands and wives, etc...

In looking back over the day, I question who gave who what gift? From one perspective it was I giving them the space to feel better and know that the kids are taken care of. How about it was a gift for me to see exactly what it is that they do when I am not around. Perhaps it a gift for these children to experience extended care from a man or again a gift for me to get to know these beautiful children in a way that many man do not.

I guess in the end, a gift is in fact not single action but one that continues out extending to all who see it that as that and are willing and able to let it in.

Thanks again to all those who give and receive without thought.


p.s. in case you all haven't heard it for a while, I love you Mom!