Trading Places

When I was a little girl, I used to dream that I could trade places with other kids and have their life...a fun life, a safe life, or at least that is what their life looked like to me. I kept wondering how I could trade places with someone without telling them what was going on in my life, which I was threatened not to do. I spent a lot of my time as a kid, dreaming what life would be like in this different and safe world. Now some 40 some years later...I am still living the dream.
As a Mother though, I continue to find myself wanting to trade places... but this time with my kids, when they are hurting or struggling. Now I know enough that, as a Mom I can't do that, and really shouldn't either. I know that everything that happens to us, happens for a reason but still...it hurts my heart to watch my kids hurt. So I continue to pray that as a Mother, I will know what I can do.
And I hope that I have taught them all the things they will need to hang on, keep the faith and trust their Heavenly Father to help them be strong enough to handle whatever comes their way in life. Yes, if I could trade places... I would, but just like in my  younger years, I needed to stay and learn how to grow from the experiences I had. And most importantly help others who ever have to experience the same thing.

Life is an amazing teacher, with many lessons that are hard but necessary. As for now, I won't trade anyone places, just stay close to my kids... and be there if they need me.

"The secret to life; one can only see clearly with the heart. Anything that is essential is invisible to the eyes. How much time and effort you've spent on someone or something is what makes them so important."   ~ Michael Krol

"I remember my mother's prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life." ~Abraham Lincoln

"When you are a mother, you are never really alone in your thoughts. A mother always has to think twice, once for herself and once for her child." ~Sophia Loren, Women and Beauty