They say the hardest job in life is being a parent.
I used to think, not for me. My kids are great. I love coming home to them. They don’t give me issues.
Until today.
This morning I woke the kids up like normal to start our day. Dropped my son off at my sister’s, then took my daughter to school. As I’m leaving the parking lot, my mom calls me about something that happened with my daughter during lunch the day before.
One of her friends was upset about how her dad packed her lunch and was complaining. My daughter overheard and got emotional. She told the girl, “At least you have a dad. I never talk to mine. He doesn’t even pick up when I call him.” And she started crying.
Because in that moment, it was not longer about her friend and her lunch anymore. It was about my daughter feeling abandoned.
Hearing that broke me. I felt sad, angry, hurt all at once. I couldn’t stop crying. I felt like I failed her. Like I didn’t give her the family I can tell she wishes she had. Like I chose the wrong man to be her father, and now she’s the one feeling the consequences of my choices.
And that hurt me in a way I wasn’t prepared for.
All I wanted to do was turn around, go back to that school, grab my baby, hug her, take her home, and just be with her. I didn’t want her to hurt. I never wanted her to feel that kind of pain.
And in that moment I understood.
When people say the hardest job in life is being a parent, it’s not about the sleepless nights or the busy mornings. It’s about this. Feeling your child’s pain like it’s your own and not being able to fix it.
That kind of hurt will take everything out of you.
While I sat parked in my car crying, I was reminded:
I may not be able to give her everything she wishes she had
I can’t fix what’s missing
But I can make sure she never questions who is here
And I am here
Every single time she needs me.
Love ya, Bye! 🌻
Tee Talk 