I Hope

Today is one of those days that I wish I were raising my own children instead of helping to raise the children of 80 other parents. For those who don't know, I am a child and family therapist, and I often have the opportunity to work on some pretty intensive cases. Because of such cases, I am working from home today even though I called in sick. Needless to say, my line of work can be challenge. However, it provides constant reminders of what kind of parent I hope to be.

I know I don't have kids yet, and I can't know what it will really be like until I have kids. However, when I do have kids...

I hope they do feel small when they stand beside the ocean, and I hope they dance (and I hope they dress better than the people in this video). 

I hope they don't pay no mind to the demons that fill with fear and know that I'll make our place a home.

I hope they know I'll be a friend to them...

...but more importantly that I will be a parent to them who will provide safety, security, and structure.

I hope they know that nothing's impossible and that they can dream, explore, get creative, and be silly.

I hope they know they are beautiful no matter what the world says and that they never need to try to be someone they aren't.

I hope they know that everyone makes mistakes (even their parents) but that mistakes don't have to be permanent.

I hope they know that even when it seems things could never get better, there can be miracles if they believe.

And not last nor least, I hope they know that even though there will be hard days, sleepless nights, disagreements, and moments when I forget important details, my life will always be blessed because they're a part of it.

And in the meantime, I'll do all I can to teach these things to the children with whom I do have the blessing to interact. 

I hope.