Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Enough Love


There's something about this picture that I love. I think it is the candid moment of sharing between my children and their dad - being oblivious to my shot - that warms me.

They love their father. Even though he lives three hours away he has been a big part of their lives through the years, traveling to ballgames, plays, concerts and simple 'moments' so he can share in those steps that they're taking.

They've never had to choose whom to love. From the time we separated 11 years ago they've known that there was an abundance of love, not only for them, but from them. I remember saying, when they were very young, that the wonderful thing about love is that it never runs out; that there is always enough for everyone. Because life - and love - isn't a competition, and the differences between a couple should never overflow to affect the heart of a child.

So when my daughter and son talk to their dad on the phone....or when they see him in person, share a hug and a kiss and say to each other, "I Love You," I feel it too. Because they are loved, and because they are given the freedom to love, their world will always be a place big enough to share.

10 comments:

srp said...

Your situation with your ex is so rare and a real blessing.

Martie said...

I somehow wish you could make my sons ex-girlfriend realize that fact with their children. My son is now engaged to be married and has custody of the children, but the female parental unit is always telling them that they can't like dad's fiancee..........cause she doesn't like her, so they feel they are being dis-loyal to their mom and they are only 4 and 5. Will you keep them in your prayers for me? Thanks, they have had such a rough time of it and it is better now that they are with daddy and his fiancee!


Hugs

Mike said...

biggest blessing my mom gave me when I was a kid was never telling me NOT to love my dad. Even after he left me @ 10 yrs old.

I have always felt love towards him, and it never felt wrong.

John said...

Wow! You're a gracious woman and your kids are going to reap the benefits of that as they grow and look around at others in similar circumstances and realize that they could've been taught bitterness, but instead got love.

oregoncelticlady said...

Wow!!! That is beautiful and so very RIGHT!!

Martie, keep teaching the love! The kids will end up "teaching" there bio mom something in the long run! Kids gravitate to the people who teach love and acceptance of everyone including that mom!

alan said...

So very few hearts are big enough to share their children after something like that. Somehow, knowing you and how big your heart really is, you would be one!

You are truly an amazing woman!

alan

Slone said...

pretty awesome. so many people say their kids come first in that situation but their actions show otherwise. No better feeling than the one I get when my kids look at me and I can see that love in their eyes!

Anonymous said...

This is the first time that I have been to your blog. I can remember talking to you some years ago and asking you if you were doing any writing. Because of what you had been through and were going through you were not. I am so glad that you are now, it was one of the things that attracted me to you. Now I have a riddle for you. If you ever find a Sunrise at a basketball or football game, maybe I'll see you there.

Anonymous said...

I agree with all of your comments, you are truly a gift to you family. We can so hurt our children by having harsh feeling about our ex's. This too is my first time to visit, sure hope you don't mind my lurking around.

Cheryl said...

This is a great shot, and I love what you say here. My ex is a mess, but... he loves my son with all of his heart. We don't agree on a lot of things, I don't like him much, but we are united in our love of our son. We get along in his presence because that is the way it MUST be. I have had to protect my son from his father at times (due to issues brought on by addictions, etc.), but I would never try to keep them from loving each other.

Congrats to you for fighting the good fight. I don't think it's a rare blessing so much as a result of conscious effort and a loving, Christ-like spirit.