This morning, an Italian Wedding Soup recipe had me running to the liqueur store for some vermouth. It was nice to get out and see if the river had swollen to the road and how the world around us was fairing. Except for a few fallen branches, all was well.
As I was checking out, the woman asked if it was "martini time". Really? Was that supposed to be funny or was she just checking to see if I was going to be drinking all that vermouth with my 8 month baby bump in tow? For some reason, people think baby bumps are fair game for all sorts of inappropriate comments especially if you've got a few other younger kids. I don't understand it.
The other day a seemingly nice man was helping me down from the hay ride we were on. As he saw my baby bump, he muttered (mostly to himself) "....with three young kids...whoa". His pity had the opposite effect. I felt sorry for him. I've come to the understanding that people who cannot see children as anything but burdens are the ones to feel sorry for. Their lives must be so depressing that they cannot think past their selfishness to see how a child could bring anything but more burden. How sad of an existence.
Sure my kids bring A LOT more work, less time for me and what I want. But that's kind of the point. As I decrease (mostly by the shear force of many young children around me) the more I am able to let go of selfishness and let God in. My heart increases and my joy increases. But how do you explain this to people of the world.
Not only that, but kids are soooo cute! How could not want a million little toddlers to hug and kiss and say, "I lub boo"? Their love is unconditional- pure and honest- unlike any adult on this planet. Children are the face of God- not something to be pitied.
My husband has to deal with a lot of coworkers with the selfish mentality that children are burdens. Since we became pregnant with our fourth, he says the comments to get "fixed" are nonstop. He couldn't think of a more unmanly thing than to have his man parts mutilated.
His coworker once told him that she hates kids. She kicks her nieces and nephews when they come by here. *kicks them* I don't know how it's possible to even admit such a thing and not be filled with shame. And don't get me started on how people would rather oogle over dogs than babies. makes. me. sick. Since when did dogs get cuter than kids? Oh, that's right, when you can lock them up in a pen and forget about them- that's when they become more desirable.
I'll leave you with something happy and very desirable- even if you happen to already have a few of them:
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| Jude had me attach these trains together so he could ride away on his train. As he waves goodbye to go off on his long journey, he says, "blanket, tease (please)" Can't forget that! |
Remember: as the children multiply, so does the love. so does the love.
8 comments:
I have an aquaintance with five boys, one of whom is very special needs. "God bless you," I said, perhaps with a tinge of pity in my voice.
"Oh," she answered. "He already has."
That's a good line. It reminds me of when i went to the drs office recently and the receptionist said (referring to the new baby), "I bet you're excited," in a sarcastic tone while looking at my three other young children. I said, YES, I am!
to every mom who has heard the words "I am glad it's you and not me", is right! They could never handle it anyway! God has given you strength, not only for endurance but for faith to love so selflessly. That is the beauty, That is the grace, That is the best! You have written "Love multiplies not divides" has been my answer to the ignornate too.
Dear Sarah,
I agree wholeheartedly. I adore our 12 and would have another 12.
The special love of a child is non comparable.
I so adore the sweetness of babies and grown up children are a delight too
God Bless you with your sweet ones
Gae
Are you sure that this is the image of yourself that you want to share with the world? It sounds so incredibly self-righteous. A little compassion and understanding for people who don't understand your values may go a long way if you're hoping to evangelize and be the Christian you proclaim to be. I'm so disappointed by this post.
Oh Fran, you don't have to remain anonymous. I will keep you in my prayers. Ubi Caritas.
This is not Fran.
Presumption is a sin, Sarah.
You should be more careful about your assumptions.
Since this is not Fran, what have you to say about my remarks? Are you the person that you claim to be--Catholic, loving, understanding, inviting? It doesn't appear so. For shame.
This is immature and ridiculousness. My assumption that you were a person you say you are not is not a sin. I'm not sure why you are attacking me on my blog, but I am putting an end this this. No more comments, please or they will be deleted.
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