I was recently chasing rabbits down holes of the internet and stumbled upon an interview with Elizabeth Smart. She was talking about her foundation for children who have been victims of violent crimes. She also spoke openly about her kidnapping, the 9 months she spent captive, and her eventual rescue. When the interviewer asked what the secret was to her survival, she answered without hesitation that it was the love of her mother.
Elizabeth explained that during her darkest hours under the control of an insane, cruel man, she kept remembering the words of her mother: I will always love you. No. Matter. What. Her mother had often told her that she would love her no matter what she does, where she goes, or how many mistakes she makes. During her capture, Elizabeth often thought that no one would ever want her, even if she was rescued. She said at one point that she was ready to give up because she felt dirty and worthless. Then she remembered her mother's promise that she would always love her and that gave her hope. Elizabeth thought of her mother's words and decided that was worth living for.
Talk about inspiring! The love we pour into our children is life-sustaining. The love we give to them on a daily basis, can later carry them out of darkness.
This story also made me think of a friend of mine whose little girl has spent much of her first 3 years, fighting for her life. Emma and Jerilyn are two of the toughest, bravest chicks I know. Jerilyn always talks about Emma being her hero, smiling through the pain and Emma's sheer determination to survive. I can't help but think in all those scary moments where Emma defied the odds and said, "No, not today. Today, I keep going," that she mustered that last effort that turned it all around from looking at her Momma's face and seeing and feeling all the love that Jerilyn pours into her. It's life-sustaining I tell ya!
I want Crosby to always know that no matter what, I will always love him. So I am going to lay it on thick everyday. I'm going to look into his eyes, hug his neck, cup his cheeks, kiss his lips, hold his hand. I'm going to touch his heart.
And hopefully, someday, when it matters most, he will hear my voice in his head. Maybe he will be on the cusp of a life-changing decision. Maybe he will be fighting his way back from illness. Maybe he will be deciding, like Elizabeth or Emma, to survive. No matter what the circumstance he finds himself, I hope he remembers, I will always love you. No. Matter. What.
Love,
Carmen
This story also made me think of a friend of mine whose little girl has spent much of her first 3 years, fighting for her life. Emma and Jerilyn are two of the toughest, bravest chicks I know. Jerilyn always talks about Emma being her hero, smiling through the pain and Emma's sheer determination to survive. I can't help but think in all those scary moments where Emma defied the odds and said, "No, not today. Today, I keep going," that she mustered that last effort that turned it all around from looking at her Momma's face and seeing and feeling all the love that Jerilyn pours into her. It's life-sustaining I tell ya!
I want Crosby to always know that no matter what, I will always love him. So I am going to lay it on thick everyday. I'm going to look into his eyes, hug his neck, cup his cheeks, kiss his lips, hold his hand. I'm going to touch his heart.
And hopefully, someday, when it matters most, he will hear my voice in his head. Maybe he will be on the cusp of a life-changing decision. Maybe he will be fighting his way back from illness. Maybe he will be deciding, like Elizabeth or Emma, to survive. No matter what the circumstance he finds himself, I hope he remembers, I will always love you. No. Matter. What.
Love,
Carmen
