Self Portrait Tuesday {the protector}
I want to protect my children from harm. I don’t want them to know of abuse and violence, crime and greed. I don’t want them to suffer a broken heart, a broken bone, a broken spirit, or broken dreams. I want them to always be happy and smiling.
But I’m not naive. I know that it’s inevitable that they will face hardships and obstacles through their journey of life. They will likely be humiliated, rejected, cheated and lied to. They are going to cry, hurt and question themselves. And I know it’s going to tear my heart to pieces every time.
I also realize that most, if not all, of the people I greatly admire have been through tough times and those difficulties have contributed to the strong, wise, successful people they are today. There is something to be said for learning life’s lessons the hard way. As difficult as it may be for me to witness, I know my daugthers need to realize that life isn’t one big fairy tale; there are bound to be hard times and no prince on earth can guarantee a ‘happily ever after’ ending.
So I play the part of The Protector, shielding my children from harm, but allowing some of life’s harsh realities to break through the barrier. I resist the temptation to sugarcoat all the bad and hide the truth, knowing that they will better be able to appreciate the wonderful joys and blessings in their life.
November 28th, 2005 at 9:51 am
so true so true. i always say motherhood and
like sweet agony. you love so much, you ache.
November 28th, 2005 at 12:22 pm
Oh I know. I play this role too. Wanting so badly to protect him and being powerless to protect him from all of it. Beautiful words.
November 28th, 2005 at 12:54 pm
what a great photo…. the anonymous mom…. great thoughts too…..
November 28th, 2005 at 2:44 pm
you said it perfectly~~~~!!!
November 29th, 2005 at 5:34 pm
amazing how you just expressed every mothers thoughts…. wonderful journaling & photo!
November 29th, 2005 at 11:08 pm
This was so beautiful…and something that resonated with me so much. I am only beginning the motherhood journey, and yet I already understand that role of wanting to protect so well! Melanie you are so talented with the way you combine ideas and images!
November 29th, 2005 at 11:53 pm
this totally resonated with me…and wonderful photo.
December 1st, 2005 at 9:36 am
Beautifully said. I feel the same way.