With the start of a new year, many people commit to fresh beginnings. As usual, the gym is packed with many whom have pledged healthier beginnings and vow to lose 'x' amount of pounds. It irritates me how crowded my gym becomes January 2nd, as I know that only a small fraction of those newbies will still be committed to their new workout regime in three to four weeks. My gym will resume to the norm at the start of February. I will grin and bear it for the next few weeks.
I, on the other hand, infrequently make a New Year's resolution. It's not that I don't believe in them. I just feel that year after year we fail to meet the resolutions and find ourselves in subsequent years pledging the same as the year prior.
However, I digress and will get to the real point of me taking a moment to post on this blog. On January 1st, I was watching Good Morning America and most of the hosts of the show pledged to slow down and devote more time to their children as their New Years' resolutions, enlightened by the recent tragedy at Sandy Hook. I was watching this morning show as my ten month old daughter lay asleep across my lap. It struck a cord with me as I wondered to myself had I not lost Larissa, would I too be pledging the same as a resolution? I already spend every moment possible with Ambree and even when she's fussy, crying or fighting a nap...I savor those moments. Was it the tragic loss of Larissa that made me appreciate even the bad moments that accompanies parenthood? Would I appreciate Ambree as much as I do had I not been forced to say goodbye to my firstborn before I said hello? I'm assuming that the loss of Larissa most certainly did influence my patience and overwhelming love for Ambree.
I'm not saying that parents whom have never endured a loss do not appreciate the miracle which is every child. I recognize that being a parent is stressful and time consuming. However, it is also the greatest gift given to any of us. Therefore, I caution any parent who cannot imagine the incomprehensible death of their child and hope that they recognize how truly blessed they are and savor each and every second with their child. I mean every second...the good and the bad. In addition to forty fabulous weeks, Larissa gave me the realization that every second here on Earth is precious and limited, so enjoy it. We all assume the tragedy of losing a child will happen to next parent not us, but we are no less special than the parent standing beside us. None of us knows the time we have with our children and it goes against the natural progression of life to bury any of your children. Sadly, though, I am not alone. Their are many other mothers and fathers who walk in my shoes, with a large hole in their hearts longing for the child no longer here. So, on a final note, don't wait for another tragedy to cherish your children. Cherish them always.
