Sunday, May 9, 2010

Happy children make for happy moms

112109 Jas and Bri best sisters                Amber Jas and Bri Spring 2009 

     060709 sisters          011308 jas and bri ice cream

The saying goes “If mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy.” As a mom (and Nana), what makes me happy is knowing that my daughter is happy and that my granddaughters are happy. The greatest delights of my life as a mom are seeing and sharing in those moments of pure joy for my daughter. I’d get goose-bumpy with all-over happiness listening to her tinkly peals of laughter while playing with her baby toes. I’d grin from my face to my heart seing her happy surprise the first time she rode a bike, or rode a wave. And through tears, I’ve soared with abundant gratitude witnessing her happy glow as she walked down the aisle to marry the man she loved, or sharing in her experience of becoming a new mom.

Moms aren’t happy when their children aren’t happy. We worry, we become the protective mama bear, we want to fix it and make it better. If mama’s babies ain’t happy, mama ain’t happy. (And they’re always our babies, no matter how grown-up they get.)

Happy children make for happy moms, and I feel so richly blessed that my daughter is happy, with a good life, good husband and wonderful daughters, who are such happy, sparkling little girls. She’s a wonderful young woman. I am a very happy mom. Thank you, God. And thank you again, God. I am so so very grateful. And happy. Did I mention that I’m a very happy mom?

Wishing all moms (and those who mother) the rich blessings of happiness with your own children.

And now, a very funny video moms can really appreciate:

7 comments:

Debra She Who Seeks said...

I love that goofy video! And your blog make-over is great too. Happy Mother's Day!

paintergal said...

Rose, that is so true.
I am feeling unsettled in my life, partly because my kids aren't settled with their lives.
I think (no, I know) it bothers me more than it bothers them.
Life, to them, is a big adventure.
Why can't I see it more like that?
I'm beginning to realize what a control freak I must be.
Everything must be in order, including the future. And since none of ours is, I feel anxious at times.
Are they happy? Seem to be. So, why can't I trust in God for their, and our, future? I'm trying.
Wow! Didn't mean to write a journal entry here!
Love you! Thanks for listening.

TechGoddess said...

Poignant, touching, joyous. I love your posts!
And so true, from your position of wisdom. How do you try to help the stressed, unhappy baby without a) doing it for him and b) conveying your discomfort is not disappointment in him but compassion for him? Ah, the balance of motherhood.
You bring me tears of joy and appreciation. Thank you.

Laura said...

A very happy Mother's Day to you Rose!!! love the video...YOUR family is just gorgeous!

Lady Prism said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Lady Prism said...

Oh goodness I love that video!! It is so my sons, (though they don't push each other around that way), haha!

And what you said is true. My sons are in a very precarious stage in life and sometimes I question whether I have done and am' doing my best or not. They have ideas that are far from what I have in mind and sometimes all i can do is sigh.

The day I too, see them responsibly settled with their own loving families will be a day of rejoicing for me.

Nice thoughts, Rose..

Oh, and hope you don;t mind that I shared the video on my FB site. Thanks! :D

Janice Lynne Lundy said...

I' ve been gone for a while Rose, but was so happy to read this upon my return. Tis true! I know my sense of well-being is deeply affected by my children's. I hope you had a glorious Mother's Day!. Love...