This week’s photo challenge is ‘thankful’. What a challenge. It really makes you take a hard look at things that make you happy, things that really matter, isn’t it?
I don’t think many of us would say we are thankful for our material possessions – for the shiny, new car or the apartment in the most expensive part of the city. What matters is people, moments of happiness shared with them, the bond with friends that doesn’t weaken even when you haven’t spoken for years together.
I am thankful for so many such things but, what makes me really thankful every day is being a parent. My daughter is my source of happiness. Her innocence makes me smile, seeing her sad breaks my heart.
Frankly, I never considered myself ‘mother material’ and when she was born, I was overwhelmed with wonder each time I saw her. And she changed me- for the better. Parenthood does that. It opens your eyes to people around you – whose existence you were oblivious of in your pursuit of personal advancement. It makes you generous and loving.
It makes you see your own parents in a new light. You realize that even though you still might have petty fights with your parents now and then, they are a big part of who you are today.
What a beautiful relationship to have – your parents will always be a part of you and you will always be a part of them just as you will create shared memories and a legacy for your children to cherish as they become the next generation of parents.