I've cried the most these days over my daughter. Our precious Abigail is so unique and gifted, but with all of the personality she has been given comes a lot of hard lessons too. She is guided mostly by her emotions, she is not self-contious in public places...(she truly dances like no one is watching.) But the problem is that there are people watching and judging, no matter how wrong they may be, they are making assumptions about my darling daughter. I can see it in the other girls faces and the way they whisper. It's hard to watch. And it's also hard to explain to her. There are times when I just want to bring her home and never let her out in to the big, wide, mean, world....but then I remember Who made her, Who she belongs to, and the wonderful plan He has for her life. I just pray that I can always be supportive, wise, and encouraging to her. I don't want her to be like everyone else...but the truth is, we all want our kids to fit in...no matter how wrong that concept is. We want them to be understood, loved, and respected. For the most part she's just a wonder to everyone she meets. And she is wonderful to me.
She IS wonderful. And God knew exactly the right mom for her. He made her and chose you for each other. Love to you all.
ReplyDeleteJenn - I have walked your walk with my precious Aaron as a child. It is a tough road but one that builds character, especially when you are loved and guided by understanding, loving parents. If only Abigail's peers could get beyond their "impressions" and get to know Abby. They would discover a girl who is a true friend - one who is quick to forgive, who encourages the best in yourself, one who is courageous, a person that loves and takes great delight in God's creation (especially animals), one who has an unlimited imagination and draws the best pictures ever, and one who never allows herself to be a stranger to anyone. Abigail is not a "cookie-cutter" kid. She is unique, gifted, one-of-a-kind, with a strong personality and a desire to do good things with her life - and this often threatens the world (both young & old) around her. So much so that the world will attempt to tear her down to make her like themselves.
ReplyDeleteDon't let the world dictate who Abby should be. You both are doing an incredible job of raising your children - you are keeping their eyes in the right direction - the glorification of our Lord. Your children are like a breath of fresh air to this very stale world.
Abigail is truly wonderful to Grampa and me, too! She has blessed our lives. My prayer for those who "wonder" about Abby -know you must respect her, try to understand her (give her chance), and once you have both, you will fall in love with her.
Love you, Jenn - Nana (Mom)
thank you so much for that...such wisdom and encouragement in those words! I'm truly blessed with parents (grandparents) like you. I will be re-reading this in the future for sure:) love you very much!
ReplyDeleteJenn- she is so contagious and I know she will find her kindred spirits, she is too wonderful to miss out on. And you my friend are an amazing momma, praying for your family.
ReplyDeleteI remember I was in 7th grade and I had very few friends. I didn't really fit in with anyone and I was very lonely. My mom prayed for me for friends and guess who He brought into my life?? You were an answer to that prayer for me<3
ReplyDeleteI totally know what you mean from being a mom and from being there myself. Though there were moments of pain and loneliness and hurts growing up, I wouldn't want to be any different than I am or have done it any differently. God did make her just the way He wanted her. I know you know that:) Sometimes it is hard to have peace about it and watch them hurt or be hurt. I love you and I am soooo thankful God brought you into my life and I know that God will take care of your Abby Sue just like he took care of me:)
XO!
Erika, thank you. I remember that we were both in need of a kindred spirit, and God did provide, above and beyond what I could ever ask. You have been a lifelong friend and one of the dearest blessings of m life. You are right, God has that for our Abby Sue too...I just need to rest in that promise. Thank you...love you.
ReplyDeleteI have been so blessed by the comments on this post...such wisdom from all of your kindred spirits...When you spoke about crying over Abby Sue and the things that she is going through it brought back so many memories of the times that I would cry for you and the hurt that I as a parent had to watch you endure. Many times I wanted to go and "fix it" for you but the best "fixing" could only come from the Lord. It is a painful thing as a parent to see your children misunderstood, teased, or bullied. So many times as your pets died, friends were cruel and unfair disappointments seemed to single you out time and time again I wept for you and my heart ached. God will show you the times that you must intervene, ie. Mrs. Hawkins, but there will also be times when He will simply tell you "hands off My hands are there"...Simply continue to be the wonderful mother that you are with your tender heart and your understanding that only comes from "going through it" yourself. I love you and I am so proud of the tender & wonderful mother you have become and the wonderful friend that you are..and yes I also prayed for an "Erika" friend for you and look what God has done:-) I love you honey...Mom
ReplyDeleteJenn, Thank You so much for this post! I too want Bradly to "fit in" But he never does! He is an awesome kid and too smart for his own good, but he sees the world so differently from the way other kids do! Sometimes I can over hear him talking to another kid and I want to "fix" and/or "dress up" what he says so the kid will understand him! And you are so right, we shouldn't want them to "fit in"! :0) Thank you to your "mom's" too for their wisdom! :0) Bek
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