A Random Act of Kindness

Yesterday my mom and I took the Bumper to see her pediatrician in Virgina. I t was a three hour drive and the poor little mite got carsick. She upchucked all of the nice hearty breakfast she'd eaten.  So there we were frantically trying to soothe, calm, and clean a frightened little girl on someones front lawn, when the owner of the house drove up. Instead of getting angry that a couple of strangers were changing a baby's diaper in front of her house, she offered to help! The woman asked if we were okay and did we need anything like water or towels. We said no, but we were very happy to have been asked. The kindness of strangers: who knew? That chance encounter set the tone for the rest of the day. The Bumper was fine by the time we got to the doctor's, she got to see M and thoroughly enjoyed being the center of attention for four adults. Sometimes it only takes a small thing to restore faith.

Kim

A Reason to Smile

Yesterday afternoon the Bumper and I went to the local zoo. The unusually warm late February weather beckoned us forth and out we went. We strolled in the sunshine and the Bumper chased geese, squawked at Flamingos and generally enjoyed herself. I was such fun to to watch her reaction to each of the new animals she came across. My one regret is I forgot to bring my camera.
She is my joy, and delight. I am truly blessed to be her mother.

Kim

Shrove Tuesday

This was my first time attending a Shrove Tuesday pancake supper. My parish didn't offer confession, but I made a private one in prayer this morning. The Bumper had so much fun!. The Bumper got to try waffles for the first time, and her little eyes went wide with delight (She was so cute making her little mmm sounds). The best part of the evening for me was watching her chase balloons and dance to the music they had playing in the church hall. Tomorrow the season of prayer, penance and alms giving begins. Tonight I am asking God to prepare my heart this Lenten season, so that I may rejoice come Easter tide.

Kim

Fear and Faith

Love shouldn't hurt. A person should never be afraid of his or her spouse. Well my husband has never hit me, but he has hurt me. He has made me feel small and unimportant. He has made me feel incompetent. The kicker is: I LET HIM!
I trusted him with my innermost thoughts, and feelings, and he turned them against me. I am trying to recover, but it is so very hard and I am scared. I am so fearful that I am unable to sleep at night. I am still very much afraid of my husband. My reaction to him at this weekend's visit showed me how much of my power I have given away.
When he left after visiting with our daughter, I was shaking and crying. He got so very angry at such a simple thing. He threw her stuff on the ground and called me a liar before getting into his car and driving away.
These are not the actions of a Christ centered man. I do not want my daughter growing up thinking that abusive behaviour is normal.

Valentines Day

For all you you who have someone to love:

Mother, Father, Sister, Brother, Son , Daughter, Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Friends Sweethearts, Husbands, and Wives. Cherish them each and every day. God Loves You.

For all of you who think you are alone: God Loves You Too.

Happy Valentines Day

Kim

One Day at a Time.

I had a good cry today. I just let it all out and sobbed until my throat was raw. The poor little bumper did not like seeing her mama so upset, and she tried to give me a hug. When I felt better I was able to take her for a walk in the backyard at my mother's place. The bumper had such fun chasing all the stray cats! Tonight I am going to pray for peace. I know God will show me what to do, but I need to be willing to listen.

Strange but True

I went to my first Domestic Violence group therapy session tonight. I felt so awkward and strange. I nearly burst into tears at hearing my story come out of the mouths of the other women there. Similar to 12step programs there is a camaraderie that forms out of having the same kind of experiences. I know two things for sure: I have been the victim of verbal abuse and I am not alone.