This Mama’s Heart via Daily Prompt: Nervous

When you become a mother you give away your heart.You love stronger and harder than you ever imagined possible. That love grows with your child. The pains that come with it grow too.

This mama’s heart has grown and loved in so many ways since the births of my three kiddos. My heart has calmed and smiled at their peaceful sleep and joyful discoveries. It has hurt and beat to rocky rhythms when they have scared me with their  recklessness and angered me with their antics.

With each doctor visit or ER escapade, my heart has really taken a beating. Sprains, stitches, and broken bones leave their scars. However, the ache isn’t truly felt until after the whole ordeal is over.

In the last two years I have made six trips to the emergency room. Not all of the trips were for my kiddos, but the impacts on my heart were no different whether I was taking in hubby, my own mama, or one of my babies.

This spring my daughter broke her arm. Like all of our other trips to the hospital, I was able to stay calm and put together all of the information and documents needed to ensure beneficial care be provided. Similarly, my heart ached as I watched someone I loved lying in that hospital bed. Later that night I woke suddenly. My heart was racing. I could not catch my breath. I was shaking.

The adrenaline stored up that day was attacking my heart. This mama’s heart was freaking out. After a few prayers, deep breaths, and a quick peek at my sleeping girl, I was able to rest again.

This week I spent one-on-one time with each kiddo preparing for the school year. Some how my heart found its way into my throat as I drove each one to our school supply destinations. What is it about starting off a new school year that makes my heart hurt? Is it the thought that my babies are growing up or that they soon won’t need me to do things like this for them? Is is that I will embarrass them picking out uncool folders or clothes? I love school. They love school. So why does my heart hurt?

As I write this post, I remember the scene from Dr. Suess’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas. The one where his heart grew three times that day.

I am like the Grinch. My love for my family grows at least three times each day. Sometimes, when they are little stinkers, I am a Grinch, but it’s not because I don’t love them. It’s because I love them so much it hurts and that can make any mama cranky.

If you are feeling love for someone today, love that is so strong it hurts, say a prayer of thanksgiving and be sure to remind them that they are loved. Try hard to go easy on your heart and not be a Grinch when that love challenges you. 🙂

By: Melanie A. Peters

P.S. I also thought of the scene from “The Wedding Singer” where Adam Sandler sang “Love Stinks,” but didn’t think that fit well into this post. 😉