A Gift For My Children, My Grandchildren...


The gift I want most for my children and grandchildren to receive is to be comfortable being uniquely themselves.

It is a condition in society to want to fit in. It is unfortunate, that people make subconscious judgments about people based on their jobs, their economic status, where they live, their choice of lifestyle, their clothes. Sometimes these initial judgments can cause false conclusions and unfortunate reactions. Sometimes the desire to fit in and be accepted can be so overwhelming that it can make you lose the true essence of who you are.

I heard a quote in a movie once...."Why do you try so hard to fit in when you were obviously born to stand out?"

My twin sons are biologically identical yet what is exciting is that each of them is truly unique. Witnessing them grow and change has been a fantastic gift. A blessing. My wish for them, for their wives and for their children is that they embrace their uniqueness and feel comfortable being the special people they are. It is often easier said then done.

May they never be plagued with thoughts of, "If only I were...

Today I received two special thought provoking e-mails. One told me they thought of me when they heard a song by Lonestar, "Unusually Unusual." It was sent as a compliment. They said everytime they heard it they thought of a few special people they know who fit into this category. Their clothes, lifestyle, attitudes, and interests are not "usual" not "normal."

Here's the refrain to the current song:
"She's unusually unusual
Absolutely unpredictable
She's so different and that's what's wonderful
She's unusually unusual
And that's beautiful to me"

It was a nice compliment. It was also well timed because when I read this second e-mail I felt a little uncomfortable because I respond like the kids in the story instead of as an adult. I am a Mom, a grandma and react as a child in these situations. When I read to the end, I smiled. Sometimes you get a reminder, an unexpected validation that you are special and it feels good. It feels better than feeling like you don't fit. May my children always feel confident that they are good enough...just the way they are.

Here is the little story. Read and enjoy.

Big Mud Puddles and Sunny Yellow Dandelions. AuthorUnknown.

When I look at a patch of dandelions, I see a bunch of weeds that are going to take over my yard. My kids see flowers for Mom and blowing white fluff you can wish on.

When I look at an old drunk and he smiles at me, I see a smelly, dirty person who probably wants money and I look away. My kids see someone smiling at them and they smile back.

When I hear music I love, I know I can't carry a tune and don't have much rhythm so I sit self-consciously and listen. My kids feel the beat and move to it. They sing out the words. If they don't know them, they make up their own.

When I feel wind on my face, I brace myself against it. I feel it messing up my hair and pulling me back when I walk. My kids close their eyes, spread their arms and fly with it, until they fall to the ground laughing.

When I pray, I say thee and thou and grant me this, give me that. My kids say, "Hi God! Thanks for my toys and my friends. Please keep the bad dreams away tonight. Sorry, I don't want to go to Heaven yet. I would miss my Mommy and Daddy."

When I see a mud puddle I step around it. I see muddy shoes and dirty carpets. My kids sit in it. They see dams to build, rivers to cross, and worms to play with.

I wonder if we are given kids to teach or to learn from? No wonder God loves the little children!
Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.

I wish you Big Mud Puddles and Sunny Yellow Dandelions!!!