I leave through the garage. My bare feet sink in the thick grass as I cross the yard. I’m so thankful this year that it is soft and full from being nourished by all of the rain instead of crinkly and brown like last year.
I enter my neighbor’s gate and make my way to her pool. I see my girl standing there, dripping, eyes red rimmed from the tears she has shed.
The swim teacher greets me, “Did you hear her crying?”
Shaking my head, I reply, “No, I was in the house.”
“She just has to conquer her fear. I know she can do this. Please don’t let her quit.”
I rest my hands on Cady’s towel draped shoulders while looking deep into eyes that are so different from my own, her light to my dark. I feel like I can see straight to her heart which mirrors mine more than I would like to admit sometimes. I feel the fear ice through her veins as it percolates up through my very soul.
“We can do this. I believe in you. We’re not going to quit. Okay?” I wish my faith in her into her heart so that she can believe in herself the way that I believe in her.
She looks down at the grass as a droplet slips from her hair and down her cheek. Nodding, she determinedly whispers, “Okay.”
I pull her into a hug. Her wet head presses firmly into my chest transferring her damp to my shirt right at chest level. Releasing our embrace, we clasp hands and make our way back home.
I’m sharing this story about being a mom with Shell for Pour Your Heart Out.
Those fears are so hard to overcome. So hard for mommy’s to fix. I know she feels your strength and determination and will transfer that to what she needs to do. She has proven that time and time again.
She has proven it over and over, but is so, so hard not to give in sometimes.
It is so, so hard to watch them do something you know they are terrified of. But in the end, when they conquer that fear, it is the absolute best feeling in the world. Hugs to you as you help her through this, and hugs to Cady, as she goes through it.
I can not wait to see that light in her eyes when she gets that she can do this.
so heartbreaking but glad she has the courage to stick with it and you are supporting her all the way!
Well she really doesn’t have a choice to stick with it. Right now I’m her courage.
With you by her side, she’ll do it. Promise.
Thanks.
My most proud and creative parenting moment and I’m sharing it with you! When my girls were younger, they were scared of the swimming lessons too. Somehow, I had a flash of brilliance and here is how I empowered them.
I created “courage juice”. First, I asked them if they knew what courage was….of course, not really. So my explanation was something like this…courage is when you are really afraid of something but you do it anyway. Once you do it, you feel proud inside and kind of smiley all over. This courage juice will give you the courage you need to try. You must drink it all. Every drop. It’s a top secret recipe that only mom’s know. Ready? Here you go….
What is it you ask? I made mine with iced tea, apple juice and grape juice mixed together. It doesn’t matter. Must be a little different, yet something they will like. Never tell them the ingredients. When they ask for more, let them have it but only when they need courage…it’s not to be abused and used daily! Must be special. For several years, my girls would ask me to make the courage juice when trying new things. The most important secret is to believe it will work. Play into their imagination and make believe.
Even now, they remember….they know of course I was playing with them, but now, they are all super great swimmers and not afraid to try new things!
That’s a good idea, but I’m not sure she would fall for it now. Mostly we talk about being brave and pushing through when you are scared. I think tonight I will relate it to Merida. She really loves her.
You are such a wonderful momma. Cady can do anything with your support. It may not happen overnight but it will happen. You have so much love, pride and faith in her that she will have to feel it and I am sure she will see you with an open embrace when she conquers it just like she does when she is struggling. xo
I believe in her SO much that it absolutely must rub off on her.
Sometimes when things are hard for my kids, I just want to keep them in a bubble and let them quit. But, like you, I tell them it will be okay and we press on.
Bubbles would be nice, but they always burst.
Oh what a tough spot to be in- for both of you!! Wishing you lots of luck as you continue on.
Thanks. She did GREAT last night! Hoping we have turned a corner.
Beautifully written, my friend. And I know this. SO well.
Yeah, I’m pretty sure all moms know this feeling. {sigh}
What a beautiful description of a difficult, tender mom moment.
Stopping by from SITS.
Thanks for coming over and taking the time to comment.
Beautifully written telling of a tough moment for both of you. Sometimes parenting is so hard. You are doing a great job! There will always be difficult things that must be faced. Learning to triumph over the things you can is so important.
It is so important, and I’m really hoping she’ll be able to learn these lessons and apply them later in life.
I love that said “I believe in you!” No wonder she wants to keep at it. Way to go , mama! Stopping by from PYHO!
Thanks for coming over. And oh yes, she hears “I believe in you” a LOT.
That is a really a tough spot for both of you to be in, but with you on her she will definitely make it.
I hope so. {fingers crossed}
It’s hard to make them face their fears but in the long run, it’s probably the right thing to do.
Yes, I definitely think it is the right thing to do. Maybe even more so with her because she is so afraid of so many things. If I don’t make her face it one day she’ll be cowering in the house afraid to walk outside. Or maybe that’s just a mother’s obsessive worry.
It’s so hard to see our children have fear, but you are doing the right thing by encouraging and telling her you believe in her.