Like Mother Like Daughter

As a teenager, I used to sit in church and wonder why my Mother cried sometimes during the services. I teased her about it and couldn't understand what was causing her to cry. There was really never an explanation given, and as a teenager, I am pretty sure I was certain there was none; that it was just silly parental behavior...because teenagers know everything, right? Many moons later, and well past the overly hormonal stage of post-birth, I finally get it. While in the past there were certainly stories that touched my heart and could make me cry on a dime, especially as they relate to mothers and daughters and families, stories about children may have upset and angered me, but usually did not move me to tears. However, on Tuesday a tragic conclusion to a very bizarre story made me sob uncontrollably. I just don't understand how a parent could be so irresponsible with a miracle, a tiny miracle that needs a parent's love, attention, and care. While I believe we underestimate babies' abilities, I know without fail that a 15 month old doesn't know (and shouldn't have to know) how to survive alone. And I just can't imagine ever being in a spot in my life where I could be irresponsible enough to let something happen to my child like what happened in this story. I saw another story this morning that elicited the same reaction, only with extra anger. My response in both cases was to run to D and hug and kiss him until he let me know he had had enough. In my hands was our tiny miracle, a miracle that I hope I am always 100+% physically and mentally able to care for and love. I wanted this miracle and I would do anything for our miracle. And our miracle can move me to tears at the blink of an eye or crack of a smile. And now this 30+ager finally gets why her Mom used to sit in church and sometimes cry.

Our miracle: