How I Learned to Count My Blessings
Learning of a little girl's struggle with cancer makes this mom realize all she has

By ClubMom Member Martha, Baltimore, MD


I have a 4-year-old little boy. I love him dearly, but there are times that I joke that I am going to sell him on eBay! I bet you've also been frustrated when your child won't listen, does something you've asked him or her not to do, or won't pick up toys or clean his room. This makes my inner child have a tantrum! I'm guilty of more than a few episodes of ranting and raving over something that, in retrospect, really wasn't all that important.

Lately, I have come face to face with something that I have known all along, but just never thought about. What is it? It's appreciating my son for everything about him, even the more exasperating behaviors. You see, I recently "met" a little girl, who's only 6, who is dying of cancer.

Each day, I read the heart-wrenching updates from her parents about her latest bout of failed medications, latest round of infections, her loss of the things that we, as parents, take for granted. This dear child cannot move now; only an occasional shake of her head. I cannot begin to fathom what her parents are feeling. My brain won't let me imagine "what if" it were my child. At the same time I am crying along with her family, I am learning about grace, about faith, and, about being a better mom.

You see, I'm sure that their daughter isn't perfect. I'm sure that she, like all other children, at one time or another, did things to exasperate her parents and siblings. But in light of her present condition, those moments are long forgotten, and, perhaps, even longed for. I'm sure her mom and dad would love to have to tell her again not to jump on the furniture. To finish her dinner PLEASE. To not fight with her siblings. But, short of a miracle, those conversations won't happen anymore.

So now when my son jumps on his bed, won't eat his peas, leaves his toys scattered all over the floor and I trip over them for the umpteenth time, or he otherwise tries my patience, instead of yelling at him, I'm learning to hug him instead. Life is too short to sweat the small stuff and I'm just grateful that my boy is healthy and able to do all the things, good and annoying, that little boys are supposed to do.

It has made me more thankful for my son. I am grateful for his health, for his being a "normal" preschooler, and I am learning to be, I hope, a better mom one who hugs more and yells less.

Published: May 2, 2006
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