Lauren was 8 when Dominic was born. She was used to being the "princess" of our household. I think me getting pregnant and then giving birth to Dominic kind of rocked her world. The February before Dominic was born, I lost my 101-year old grandmother. Then, shortly after the holidays of 2004, my father-in-law got ill and my hubby traveled back to Cleveland every weekend, except one, for three months. After his dad passed, we traveled frequently to Cleveland to visit his mom and then moved her closer to us in 2006. To say Lauren didn't get enough attention during this time frame would be an understatement. Dominic was very fussy, he rarely slept and between him crying, me nursing him and trying to support my husband with all that he had going on with his parents, it didn't leave a lot of time for Lauren. I think back to those times and wished I could have spent more time with her. Dominic required so much of me that Lauren's needs and wants sometimes got lost in the shuffle. I try really hard these days to give Lauren my time and attention. One of my favorite things that Lauren says to me randomly is, "I love you." She says it to me just about every day. She and I are very close and I feel blessed that our relationship is so good. I have tried to raise her to be kind and respectful to others. My dear, sweet Lauren turns 16 this Tuesday. Enjoy the time with your children, the time goes by in a blink of an eye!!!
Before you know it you and Lauren can be mother and daughter, as well as friends. I have been blessed to have children who love me and tell me so even though now they are older than 16, in fact their children are that age or approaching that age. Time does fly by. Never part from a family member without an "I LOVE YOU" even on the phone. You never know if you will be able to say those words again in person. Stop, smell the roses, cookies, perfume of every single day. Those are blessings. Auntie
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Auntie - love you!
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