My Achilles Heel

Most of my parenting commentary revolves around the happy side effects of parenting - the unparalleled joy it brings, the funny moments, the thrilling life changes.

But there is one thing about parenthood that isn't always happy. In fact, that one thing is more difficult than just about anything in the world.

And that is knowing that your heart is gone, that it is walking freely in this world in the form of a beautiful little person, that you have no control over it anymore.  This can be the source of your greatest joy and also of your greatest sorrow.

My little girl is my Achilles heel.

Sleeping beauty, Nov. 2011

She Works Hard For The Money

Parental competency area number 6 is “life skills” – which sounds like a ridiculous high school class. In any event, this skill area entails having some sort of plan for the future and providing adequately for your child.  Clearly these are important considerations, although I don't think I would have rated this above others, such as safety. 

I had what I thought was a pretty clear plan for my future – and then Annapie came along and changed my entire world.  I’m so glad she did! The great irony is that now I want to make corresponding changes to the rest of my future plan, but I can’t because this little girl depends on me to provide for her.  Funny that the remainder of the plan I had all along doesn’t fit so well anymore, or at least it feels that way sometimes.