Take Heart

The Wizard of Oz tried to warn the tin man that having a heart is an almost certain guarantee for heartache and all that comes with it.  The tin man's simple reply of, "But I still want one", speaks volumes.

When I was little, we were often asked what we wanted to be when we grew up.  While other little girls dreamed of being ballerinas, I wanted to be a mom.  While many women eventually have children, thus becoming "moms", I suppose any wise wizard might have mentioned that being a mom is secondary . . . and then ask what else I'd like to be.  Of course if the wizard was truly wise, he may have also given me similar advice given to the tin man, as the having of a heart and motherhood go hand in hand.   

They say that you get to choose your friends, but not your family. The family bond is a most unusual phenomenon.  We genuinely love this group of people that if not related to us, we may have never known, let alone ever chosen to share our lives, but there it is.

The bond between mother and child is unique and likely one of the great mysteries of the universe.  I loved my kids before I ever met them, and I always will.  It's just how it works.  I suppose there might be some great scientific reasoning, perhaps it has to do with DNA, or some other grand configuration.  But no matter, If it weren't so, moms might be waiting until children were grown before making a determination as to whether or not they loved them, or even liked them for that matter.  What a recipe for disaster!

The tin man knew he wanted a heart in spite of the obvious risks, just as I knew I wanted to be a mom.  So to my kids, know that I love you, come what may, and that it will never change.  And when tough or challenging times come, as they are bound to from time to time, remember to keep the faith.  Faith in yourself and in those who love and care about you.  Without faith and something to believe in, life can become nothing more than a dreary itinerary of tasks, a checklist offering little happiness or comfort when all is said and done.  Life is so very much more 💗