This I Believe

The Healing Power of Children

Children are without a doubt a gift from God. They are able to heal with a touch and a smile.

I wasn’t ready to be a mother in the summer of 1998. Ready or not, though, my daughter was born. I had no clue that she would be the person in my life who would show me true, deep down, all encompassing love. When I looked into her innocent eyes there was never any doubt that I would forever live my life for her. Everything I strived for would be so that she could have a better life.

I remember when she was a toddler and I had married in the belief that with two parents she would do better in life. As I argued one night with her step-father, I ran to the bathroom and cried. I sat there feeling oh so sorry for myself while my daughter came and sat on my lap in the floor where I had went and collapsed, so I could be alone. She sat there looking at me and I only felt worse. What was I doing to this precious angel. I never wanted her to hear me and her step-father argue, nor did I want her to see me cry like this. I felt horrible and with her big blue eyes looking up at me all I could say was, “I’m sorry baby girl. I wish I hadn’t let you see how mean people can be to each other. I’m so, so sorry that I’m not the mother that you deserve.” At that moment in time I did not regret her existence, but I truly did feel like I was failing as her mother. My daughter blinked those solemn eyes at me, took the bottom of her shirt and wiped my eyes dry. I could only think that it should be me wiping her eyes and not the other way around. In her small voice she said, “Mommy, It’s O.K.” She smiled at me, and through my leftover tears I smiled at her.

There have been countless other moments in our life, when she’s been the one that’s healed my heart and helped me move past the troubles I might otherwise have let stop me.

I believe that no matter where life’s journey takes me with my daughter and son, I can handle any curve ball that comes my way. When I think I can not handle anything else, all it takes is a glimpse of my children to know that all of our futures will be better because we are together. I believe that my children’s touch and their smiles can always heal.

I believe in my children.