Cruel, Cruel World

The other day, I had to take Hubs truck in for an oil change. Fortunately, the garage has a wonderful play room for children. There are crates of cool toys, blocks, tables set up with puzzles, a rocking horse, shelves of books, and a television with a selection of dvd's to choose from. The best part is that they only charge $26 for a full-service oil change and a tire rotation. It's FABULOUS!

After 20 minutes or so, Lauren realizes that there are people and other happenings going on outside of the play room. So, we ventured out into the waiting area and she hobbled around exploring everything like most 15 month old children would do. I noticed we were being watched by a man who was probably in his fifties and I acknowledged him by smiling and saying hello. I wasn't bothered by him because, as I've experienced many times in public, most older people LOVE to watch small children. I'm guessing they look at my children and reminisce about their own, or their grandchildren, or whoever. And most of the time, they share a story about their own child, grandchild, etc.

After a few comments about the weather and the day, the man asked me, "How can you bring children into this world knowing all of the horrible things that can happen to them?"

I was taken off guard by his question, but quickly replied, "Because this world needs good people too, and I like to think my children will grow up helping others."

I would be lying if I said I never thought about how terrible this world can be before deciding to have my first child. I definitely thought about it. I continue to worry at times about how things in life can go wrong and my children could be hurt. But I have to let all of that go. I mean, I take a risk of getting into a car accident every time I drive my car, right? I can't allow myself to go through life thinking about all of the bad things that could happen.

I choose to be happy. I raise our children to be happy and enjoy life. My children are loved and protected. I live in a rural area where kidnappings and murders rarely occur and I do my best to ensure they are kept out of danger. However, the bottom line is, I can only control so much.

I cannot guarantee that my children will never have a traumatic experience. And I'm okay with that.

I can control myself, the environment my children are in, the household they are raised in, and the people that surround them.

As a parent, I have an obligation to ensure my children are cared for in the best way possible and it's also my obligation to teach them to care for our Earth and to care for others. It's my obligation to teach them morals, ethics, rules, and how to respond to what life put in front of us.

I know it's a cruel world. I know this world can be an ugly place.

I also know that this world his full of loving people, beauty, and endless opportunity.

The way I look at it is, I'm not burdening my children by bringing them into this world, I am allowing my children to be loved, to have a passion for life, to enjoy others, and I'm allowing them to see that this world can really be a wonderful place to be.

It is my hope that our children grow to be happy and fulfilled adults and I hope they live life in a way that has a positive impact on others.

What kind of Mother would I be if I didn't dream of endless happiness and enrichment for my children?