It's Thanksgiving evening here at the Morristribe and we're digging into our second helping of dinner. We usually eat early on Thanksgiving and leave the rest of the day open to munch again.
I didn't sleep much last night as I tried to stay up and wait for Hailey to get home. She didn't walk in until 1am, just as I had decided to go to bed. We stayed up drinking tea until about 2am, then I was back up at 6am to pull my turkey out of the oven. I cook my turkey overnight at a low temperature, have for years. by 8am, the turkey was completely cut and sorted and the carcus in the crockpot for stock.
We sat down to eat at about noon. As we usually do, once we got a few bites in hungry little mouths, Mark went around the table and asked what everyone was thankful for. The kids are required to give an intelligent answer according to their ability and age.
As we went around the table, the comments ranged from being thankful for ice cream from the 5 year-olds to being thankful for food and shelter. Rahel's comment was particularly touching as she said that she was thankful for the cross, as she spread her arms out in symbolism and broken English. She also said that she was thankful for her new brothers and sisters.
I pondered as everyone took their turns giving thanks, looking at each face. The realization that many women never become mothers just overwhelmed me. I have struggled with pregnancy and miscarriages all of my child-bearing years. I didn't have my second child until I was 31 and my sixth at the age of 42. Due to low hormone levels and genetic abnormalities, I have miscarried a number of times. Of the biological children I gave birth to, it's nothing short of a miracle that they were all born 'normal', relatively speaking that is.
Being blessed with three more children through adoption this year is something that, once again, few people experience.
It is humbling to come to terms with the fact that I'm the mama to all these people. When I think about the memories, good and bad, that my extended family left me with, my position scares me. What will they remember most about me? What memories will they share with each other when I'm dead and gone? Will they model my behavior and should they? Will I leave them with a Godly example of what motherhood means or will I leave them with the impression that motherhood is a miserable job.
I am left to consider this and pray today....sort of somber, I know, but it's important to me. My greatest desire in life is to please Jesus and leave a legacy for my children that will be pleasing to him.
I am humbled by and grateful for every reader who clicks on this blog and I pray that you'll be blessed by it.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Kelly
PS I will be sleeping in tomorrow morning, just in case you were wondering!
Said
Kelly you are an amazing woman, wife, mother and friend. NEVER doubt that. You inspire me to expect more of myself. Much love to you!