Security

I remember tippy-toeing my way down the front stairs, through the creaky hallway, searching her out.  In our huge, 200 year old home, I'd peek around corners into the places she'd usually inhabit.  In the summer, it was usually the Sunroom - morning streaming in all around, she in a candy-striped cotton robe on the couch.  In the fall or winter time, in the back room off the kitchen, in front of the woodstove, wrapped in flannel.  Always there with a smile, a steaming mug, open arms.  Always a bible beside her and room for any of the 7 of her brood that came to find her. Always there.

It's twenty-some years later, and we're neighbors now.  I've got my own people searching me out.  My daily bible readings are delivered by an app, though I keep the bible I received in the third grade close, just in case.  I've got my over-sized fleece robe draped about me, with lots of extra space for lots of extra occupants.  I can hear them creaking down those old stairs, icy toes pitter-pattering over cold boards, looking for me.  I'm always here.

There are many things that aren't fun about motherhood.  We mutter over messes and fight insomnia brought on by stress.  There are also many things that seem boring to those on the outside.  The loss of adventure and impulsive creativity being one.  But while dependability may not be a glamorous attribute to the masses, in a mother it is priceless.  The security of a present parent is a gift that, while taken for granted most of the time, has weight.  Worth.  Giving this to our children means more than any amount of amusement park trips or shopping sprees.  It says more than a mountain of gifts on Christmas and birthday parties with high price tags.

Dependability tells our children that we are here for the every day, not just the special occasions.  Security means that they can find us any time, anywhere.  That they are worthy of our time, interest, attention.  That they can reach out and find us - when things go wrong, and when they go right.  For the tears as well as the laughter.  For life.

I hear a little one call out "Mama!" upstairs and a big sister comes padding down the stairs with him on her back.  "Here's Mama!" she says as she drops him gently in my lap.  I smother him with kisses and wrap him up in fleece, and reach out to bring her in, close, under the blanket she brings.  "'Morning, Mom," my girl whispers, cuddling in.  With my bed-head, ages old pajamas and rings under my eyes, I know, to them, I'm the first person they want to see.  Dependable.  Reliable.

Mom.

{It's Mindful Mothering Mondays, a day to take a deep breath and write out your mothering journey, whatever form it takes. A day to link up for encouragement from others who are in this same phase of life. A day of writing out the trials and triumphs and what you're learning right where you are, right now. You might post recent struggles or thoughts. Maybe just a picture or a quote. Or maybe you'll just come here and read the links that others post. Whatever form your participation takes, this is a day for you. We are all in this, together. Together, we can encourage and build one another up, be honest with our shortcomings and strengthened by community to keep fighting the good fight.
I chose Mondays because what Mama doesn't need a little encouragement on a Monday? As such, I'll have the link up ready to go on Sunday night for you to begin submitting your links.

I hope you'll meet with me each Monday! Here's what to do ~

Link up your post below. Remember to put the link to the exact post you want to link, and not just your blog url. Include in your post a link back here so others who want to join in can find us! And visit some other Mamas who have linked up.

Post the community graphic within your post, so people who are reading your Mindful Mothering post can come back here and find the rest of us!

Invite the writers of your favorite blogs to join in!

Share this meme with others on facebook and twitter. This community is for all moms, and the more that participate, the more we will be able to enjoy!!}

Grab the graphic here:

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