When Anne and I first met , our children were quite young. Our “babies” are all in their 20’s now!

In only a few years Anne had an unforgettable impact on my self-esteem. I can only imagine what a lifetime of parenting could do!

I’ve noticed Anne and I had many parenting principles in common, all but one – tip #8. It was Anne’s eighth tip that led me to the gate of reflection. Reading her recount of this special time brought a sadness to my heart.

Anne, When you miss the mark, throw in the towel and make the most of the day.”

“I remember getting caught in a mindset of having to get myself and my girls to church every Sunday. Most times we made it.

I remember one particular Sunday, nothing went right. We overslept, the dog got sick all over the house. I felt overwhelmed and alone. We finally made it to the car.

I looked at myself in the mirror, checked the kids out in the backseat and realized very quickly – we weren’t going to get anything out of church that day. I went to a coffee shop, picked up coffee and hot chocolate and headed to a beautiful space outside of town where, we sat by the water, sipped our drinks and talked about what we were grateful for.

I’ll never forget that day. I can still feel the sun on my back, and see my two beautiful girls sitting beside me overjoyed that we weren’t sitting in church. If I have any regrets, I wish I had done that more often.” Tip #8

_________

As Anne stated, “When you miss the mark, make the most of your day.” I absolutely have some regret in this regard. I rarely put down formality in exchange for fun.

I so enjoyed her wonderful memory! Having her recall the scene, pulled me right into the moment. Capturing those meaningful times, what a gift! That’s a tip I wish I had found much sooner.

In Anne’s story, I was reminded of a special time with my own Mom. One evening, I was about 8, she and I went out for a “Poo-poo Platter” at a local Chinese restaurant. It was great! I felt like the most special girl in the world as we heated oriental cuisine over a small flame.

This was to be the only Mom-and-Me date we ever had. It remains one of my fondest childhood memories. Special times may seem hard to find, but they are impossible to forget!

In my own parenting, I regret not slowing my world down for more memorable moments. I didn’t realize how easily they could be created. To find the calmness in a storm was not an option I was aware I had. Admittedly, that awareness still escapes me.

Next week, it’s all about snuggles.

Author(s)

  • Doreen Coady

    Author & Parenting Commentator

    Author of 100 Moms 1000 Tips 1 Million Reasons & 100 Dads 1000 Tips 1Million Reasons available on Amazon and major book stores.   Doreen is empty-nester who has spent the last five years collecting tips from 199 parents. Her heartwarming and real-talk, message on parenting is woven through their collective wishes and wisdom.   Parents are diverse in terms of age, culture, social-economic background, and beliefs. Contributions provide 2000 parenting tips from others interested in helping each other, especially new parents learning the ropes.   Every tip and commentary is distinct, providing a magnificent assortment of shared experiences. The collection conveys the depth, devotion, and breadth of parenting.   This is fun, enlightening, easy to read, and a highly relatable account of parenting successes and struggles.   For ‘the why,’ check out, https://99momsplusone.wordpress.com/, or search “100 Moms 1000 Tips” on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.