Sometimes you are amazed by how the tiniest thing your sweet child says or does can just melt your heart and fill you with the most profound sense of joy.
Other times you may wonder what ever possessed you to procreate in the first place. I have, on more than one occasion, been overheard asking Jay "whose idea was it to have kids anyway"??? Yes, sometimes the little munchkins can be exasperating.
In the past few months, I have experienced an entirely new phase of motherhood - that of sitting on the sidelines while my daughter gets her heart broken into pieces and then wading neck deep into the muck to deal with the emotional aftermath. Peter, Becca's boyfriend of three years, broke up with her two days before Christmas. They are back to texting "as friends" but still not back to being "a couple" and it has been over a month since they have seen each other face to face.
Becca is still holding out hope, still waiting on a miracle. Her emotions are all over the map. And I've been on the wacky ride with her... which lead to this layout:
All papers and elements from Sue Cunningham's 2010 52 Inspirations collection, week 40, over at OScraps.com. And I have to admit, I copied her layout almost identically.
The layout will include this bit of hidden journaling, via a pull out tab behind the layout:
I wouldn't trade my job as her mother for anything in the world. But I'm not ashamed to admit that I'm having a bit of trouble dealing with this particular phase of life. I'll be relieved when it finally resolves, one way or the other...
*This post is part of Storytelling Sunday. For more great stories, visit Sian over at From High In The Sky and click on the links!
20 comments:
Cheri, I agree, parenthood is such a rollercoaster of emotions and I know I have not hit the trying hormonal times yet!
I hope Becca finds comfort and strength from her Mum and realises that life has so many wonderful opportunities that are hers regardless of her relationship with this young man.
Becca is so lucky to have you for her mum Cheri, I hope I can be there for my daughter in the same way as she gets older and has to face harder things in life. Beautiful photo of your tear filled eye ... so poignant. xxx
I am dreading when my gets older and this happens - it is bad enough when they have a falling out with friends. I think this is absolutely beautiful as is the photo. Shows how great a Mum you are.
This is a phase in motherhood that I'm not looking forward to, the heartbreak. This a beautiful layout and the journaling made me teary eyed. Becca is lucky to have such a loving mom.
You never stop sharing your children's pain do you? When they hurt, you hurt too and it's so hard to watch. But she will know you are supporting her all the way and it is that knowledge that will help her through this painful time.
Oh Cheri, I know exactly where you heart is at this moment...have been there many times (my kids have kids of their own now). Love that wide-eyed helpless-hurting eye. Such love in there, which is the essence of motherhood, is it not.
I think any of us who have raised teenaged daughters have had this experience. I remember so well putting Sarah on a plane back to Atlanta as she held on to me and cried over just this kind of thing. Now, of course, I look back, as she does, and know that it all worked out just fine. (And interestingly she and the boy who provoked the tears are still great friends. And, in fairness to my story, she had broken his heart earlier.)
Well, first I'm really mad at Peter for breaking up with her 2 days before Christmas! The layout and photo is awesome, Cheri, and really speaks for all of us who have been through a similar situation with our daughters. Only time will heal this one! Wishing you (and Becca) love and patience. xo
Very moving journalling, and a beautiful page. Yep, with a son and a daughter, I recognise the feelings. Not to mention the fact that these partners become part of our lives and then disappear forever. We have grieving to do too.
A very moving page/story,Cheri....and I'm sure all parents of adult children will recognise your feelings.
Oh Cheri, what a tough time for you and your daughter. Praying all will be better soon as your daughter finds healing from her hurt. I know it must be difficult for you to watch her go through that pain.
Fabulous layout - that photo is amazing!
That's a hard one Cheri. It certainly is. But it does sound as if you are offering her the understanding she needs right now. Let's hear it for great Mums who really care!
Your stories are always thoughtful and thought provoking Cheri. Thank you!
Hard things to work through - my dd hasn't had that happen to her as yet (nor has my ds) but I'm not looking forward to it. Remember it from my teenage years :(
I'm not a mother, but as a daughter, I can tell you that it would mean the world to me to one day read that from my mom. I hope it's not long before you both find a healed, peaceful heart. <3
Clara's only 13 and has already shed some tears over boys - I hate it! MOtherhood is definitely a difficult, difficult job.
Rinda
I hope your daughter emerges from this stronger than before. It is heartbreaking every time this happens. I am really not looking forward to my kids reaching this stage of life, and for us it is just around the corner.
So true, motherhood has many ups and downs. I hope things work out for your daughter.
Ah, yes, I remember it well. I can actually remember the feeling from my OWN teenage years, about a million years ago. And I can also remember yours......Tom.....remember? Becca will learn, through trial and error, and many tears, that sometimes things happen for the best. And you will guide her through this in your usual loving and caring way. You will both survive, I promise. Give her a hug from Nana!
Oh boy, those years are SO hard. I have a 16 year old who just celebrated her 2-year anniversary with her boyfriend... and if you really counted the days they were together, it would not have hit two years. They used to break up as often as I change flavors of gum. But since summer it's been nearly 100% on. Good luck and stay strong! You will get through!
Oh I am so glad to have spent this evening catching up with the rest of Stoytelling Sunday ... your story, page and journalling really moved me.
I guess I have this phase of motherhood to come when my daughter starts to date (my boys don't share in quite the same way and have brushed aside failed relationships). I'm forewarned now though - thanks!
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