I have this very clear memory from few years ago, right around the time Suki came home, where I was pulling into the driveway with the boys in the backseat when a sudden realization sent me into a mild panic, the kind where your breath is stolen away right as your heart starts to pound in your ears. All of the sudden it came to me that "Holy Sh*t! I am responsible for making sure my children know how to swim!"
Now I might have been a wee bit emotionally vulnerable given that I had just become a mother for the second time, and since teaching your children to swim is as easy as driving them to any of several qualified professionals in the immediate area, the panic may have been more about the overwhelming number of important, life-saving lessons we must teach our children than this one in particular.
Something that has been a priority for our family is teaching our boys how to be kind; to themselves and others. This has only been reinforced for me in the last few weeks as my family and I have been blessed with the kindness of family, friends and strangers.
My husband John is probably the kindest person I know, as his kindness is rooted in patience and commitment. He is also kind in the clears the snow from the neighbors' walks, volunteers with veterans, helps friends move with a smile kind of way. My first two weeks after the surgery, I have had to keep my foot elevated 23 hours a day, so with basically no mobility, he has not only taken care of me, but our boys as well, and never complained. I know with such a wonderful role model, my boys will grow up to be kind men as well! I am so thankful for John's kindness!
My mom has always been one of my models for kindness. Her welcome embrace and forgiving heart extends to all people. She has taken over as caregiver as John visits his family, driving me to the doctor, cooking me Grandma Lois's tacos (the ultimate comfort food!) and reminding me to ice, medicate and rest as needed. I am so thankful for my Mom's kindness!
My extended family has surrounded me with the kindness I need to heal and recover from my surgery. My brother Elliott has come to take care of me a couple of days while John is gone, bringing my nephew for the positive energy that comes from a happy, healthy toddler. My sister-in-law Katie provided healing touch to encourage my incision and body to heal. The many phone calls and text messages to check in or send love and prayers have been so appreciated. I am thankful for my family's kindness!
Today I am also thankful for the kindness of strangers. My brother Nick and his wife, along with his in-laws, were in a serious car accident a few days ago. We will forever be thankful that there were only minor injuries, as well as for the good Samaritans that stopped after the crash, taking action to help in many ways. I am thankful for the kindness of these brave strangers!
I want to teach my boys to be kind, and I have many role models for them to turn to for lessons on how to treat others, especially in times when it is needed most.
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