When the unexpected words came out of her mouth, I almost wept.
Oh, the grace.
I was so thankful for it, and I thought to myself, “I’m not the only one. I wonder if there’s more of us out there.”
The bad ones. The parents who didn’t.
Complete. A. Baby. Book.
Last night though, after 19 years of guilt, I was freed.
It felt so good.
Last night my dear friend of many, many years, my oldest child and I went to hear Theresa Caputo speak. She has a dynamic personality and is an engaging speaker. As she was talking to one of the audience members about a lock of hair, she said, “You know, like in a baby book maybe.”
Then she turned to the side and with her dry wit said, “I didn’t do baby books for my kids. I was a little busy.”
I laughed out loud while my soul was fist pumping, “Yes!” Oh me, what a relief it was to hear that. I’m not the only one.
And yes, I remember being a little busy too. Which is why there exists only one scrapbook that covers about six months (from 1 year to 18 months I think) of my oldest’s life. It took me a while to put it together too.
Ah. Well.
I am not knocking the parents who are diligent and keep a wonderful record of their child’s first and big moments. My hat is off to you. You are awesome.
It’s just that I never could get it together and make it happen. (I’m sorry, my little people.)
But I did try my best to make the moments we had together scrapbook/baby book worthy.
I hope that counts for something.
Tonight I’m thankful for a beautiful evening with two people I love very much. I give thanks for a wonderful speaker from whom love and peace and laughter and grace exude. Most of all, I’m thankful that through Teresa’s confession I found grace.
I hope she knows the good she does.
I wonder how many of us have had that same opportunity to be honest about something in our lives that would give relief to another if only they knew.
Be truthful. Learn from it. But when you tell your story, you offer someone else the opportunity to learn from it as well. So if you have the chance to share, do.
Two learning for the price of one experience.
I love a bargain.
Go love on someone today, and give them the grace you can easily give and they so need. Share your truth.
Love to all.
I Might Need A Nap 