Frivolous Mishaps

Empathy at It's Finest

Just the other day, I was continuously being beaten down by awkwardly random, yet seemingly connected, disasters. I'd repeatedly drop the same object when trying to move it to a new location; or spill dark, sticky liquids on our beige carpet; or trip over the dog napping tranquilly in the hallway. Ayden had been watching me all day, playing peacefully, strategically distanced from my path yet still in sight, awaiting his moment. He'd been attempting to grasp my attention, unsuccessfully, through various acts of cuteness since the first sign of my frustration. Completely absorbed in my depression, I had barely noticed him. Anger had taken over, and nothing less than instant release would suffice to relieve. Reluctantly giving in, I fell to the floor, drowning in a flood of self-pity. I reprimanded myself silently for behaving so foolishly in front of my son. Sitting with my face burried in my tear-soaked knees, body pulsating with each shallow breath, I felt the tender touch of a tiny hand. I looked up to find my little boy's eyes filled with a need to comfort. No words spoken, he reached around me as best he could and hugged me until my pain alleviated.


The Moral?

Sometimes when we feel our worst as parents, we are actually teaching our children more about reality than we can possibly understand. Ayden displayed sure signs of empathy that day, encouraging me to move past self-afflicting thoughts. His emotional strength at 18 months old proved greater than mine at 22 years.

We all have a lot to learn, even as adults. Some of the most important lessons in life are brought to us at unexpected times and in unpredictable ways; whether they are subtle gestures or blatant slaps across the face, they are meant to grab our attention so that we may continue to learn and grow in a manner that will benefit our future.