I SHOULD have said "do you know how this happens?" or "I wish I knew who the fathers were" or something equally clever. Instead, I looked at her in disbelief and said "I'm not - we are absolutely blessed". Then I loaded up my groceries, filled the 4 carseats in the minivan, and went on my merry way. I was a bit flabbergasted, but again...everyone has an opinion.
As I drove home I couldn't help but wonder why she felt sorry for me. Usually people say clever things like "you've got your hands full" or "you sure are busy"...but pity is a bit of a new one. I like to think that people make a comment simply to strike up a conversation. Before children, strangers would say they like my hair or my shoes, my handbag or something else. Now my clothes, my purse, my hair and such aren't a bit enviable, so people comment about the children - or that's what I choose to believe. But pity...
Why pity?
Well I'm thinking maybe she had a hard time raising her children. Maybe she knows that the teenage years are going to be difficult. Maybe life was different for her than it is for me. Maybe she can't imagine having 6 children anymore than I can imagine having just one. The good news is, opinions are prevalent and it costs nothing to have one.
My opinion is this:
Live and Love with complete abandon because life is short. Have the cinnamon roll - or if you want two of them, have two of them! Have 18 children if the sounds of their voices fill your home and your heart with love. Wear bright colors if you are drawn to them. Sing loudly if it makes you happy. As long as you aren't hurting anyone else and you are right with God - just rock this life you've got. Whether you're the single girl riding the Harley or the soccer mom driving the mini van - do it with a smile on your face and a song in your heart. This is YOUR life to live and no one else's. If they don't like it, that's on them. Some people don't know how to be happy, so if YOU do - just keep on keepin' on!
And by the way - you rock! You're amazing! You're beautiful! Yes YOU!!!! I'm talking to you! Stop listening to those other voices telling you that you aren't good enough, because they are wrong. You are phenomenal!!!
May your paths be abundantly filled with positive voices reminding you you are amazing - and mix all that goodness with some sunshine, lemons, and sugar and have a big ole glass of lemonade and drink it down with a smile!
xoxox
Crystal
ps - if you are curious about the picture on this post...that's my 2 year old singing at the top of her lungs - she's counting 1 2 3 4 6 7 8 9 10 !!! yes, she missed 5 and yes, she'll tell you she's 3 years old, just because she can! She's also wearing a shirt as a dress because she wanted to take her pants off, and her sandbox is filled with water so she can jump in it and make a mess. 2 year old's are rock stars and they don't care what you think. They love and live with complete abandon. When I grow up, I want to be just like this little girl!!!!
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