If January is a sign of what is to come in the year, then i think we will survive it. I know we will survive it, I just am not sure how comfortable it will be. But, such is life. Although 2010 has proven to be the most heartbreaking year of our lives, it has also proven to be the year for the most emotional and personal growth for all of us.
I have learned that I can't make the pain go away that life brings my children. I can, however, walk beside them and catch them when they fall.
I have learned that age does not equal wisdom. Sometimes a younger daughter's example of strength can far out weigh the strength and experience of her mother.
I have learned the difference between forgiveness and trusting again. They are not the same. We must forgive. But we do not have to subject ourselves to being hurt again. We do have to be patient and take the higher road as we walk away from the ones who might wrong us.
The biggest lesson I have learn and still continue to be dumbfounded by is how little the average citizen of this country knows about their rights in our legal system. How little does the innocent, loving parent know about their rights regarding their babies and the authority of the government over them. Unknown to parents who find their child hurt, with no explanation, is that they could lose that child in a heartbeat. CPS in Arizona can take a child without any proof or reason for 72 hours. And in that 72 hours they can confuse and dismay you so much that you will find yourself at their mercy without any knowledge of your rights or the lack there of. Worse than that, there are felony laws on our books that will put you in prison for turning your eye for a second if it results in your child being hurt. You can be charged with child abuse if your babysitter hurts your child. Afterall, you didn't protect them.
These are some things I learned last year.
What will I learn this year? I couldn't begin to guess. I know whatever happens it will only enrich our experience and growth so that as more challenges come we will be better prepared.
And mostly, I've learned, that the Savior walks beside us, always.
Hug your babies and watch over them.
Kathy
