Today was Parent Appreciation Day at my daughters’ school, and it provided me with an unexpected opportunity to do something nice for myself and for the two people I love the most in this world, my girls. I began this spring-like day by attending Mass and an Open House at my daughters’ school with both of my daughters and their dad, and it was an opportunity that I almost missed actually. After missing work last week, because my older daughter and I were ill, I had a lot to catch up on, so, I felt like I should skip today’s events to tend to work. Also, ever since my life imploded nearly two years ago with the recurrence of my depression and anxiety and my divorce, I still do not feel comfortable attending some of the events at my daughters’ school for a variety of reasons, so, such events like the ones today can be difficult for me. To top it off, I woke up this morning, not feeling the best physically, and again, I thought about not going. At first, I rationalized that their dad would be there with them and that in the grand scheme of things, that the Mass and the Open House are not significant life events, but I knew that I needed to be there. So, I met my ex-husband in the school’s parking lot, and we went to find our daughters for Mass.
The minute each of our daughters spotted us, they grinned from ear to ear and greeted both of us with big hugs and sweet kisses. The four of us sat together during Mass, and several times during the service, each of our daughters hugged their dad and me and held our hands, and several times, our older daughter whispered to me, “I’m glad you’re here, Mama” and “I love you”. Afterward, they both were proud to show off their classrooms, and our younger daughter gave her dad and me a card:
Their excitement at having us there with them, and the fact that we still are a united family, even though their dad and I are divorced, made the decision to attend today’s event the absolutely best thing I could do today by far.
I also was able to do something positive for myself by attending Mass, as I found comfort in the rituals and prayers of the faith of my upbringing. I am more concerned with, and interested in, spirituality than I am with religion, and even though I find myself at odds with certain aspects of organized religion, I found myself both inspired and soothed by the familiar prayers and hymns. It helped to center me, and there was a certain power in praying with all of the parents, teachers, and students present, especially my own family. I go through periods when I turn to prayer and other periods when I turn away from prayer, and as I heal and grow spiritually, I find myself gravitating toward prayer more and more. It was such a pleasant way to start another busy day, and I am glad that I took this time for myself and for my daughters to be present, as there really is no time like the present to do some good in the world.
Just one thing each day . . .
Categories: Just One Thing Each Day
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What a lovely idea. Sounds like your girls attend a wonderful school. Just goes to show how we can be rewarded for making that extra effort. Thanks for another lovely post. So glad I found your blog. Truly inspiring.
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Thank you so very much for your kind words and for taking the time to read my blog! I feel fortunate that my daughters’ dad and I were able to attend this particular event, as it meant a lot to both of us and our girls. It’s those little things that certainly mean the most.
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