A Tribute to My Daughters

So, I have been writing for Her Magazine for quite some time now. On average, my blogs are comprised of something social-work-related. I normally give some sort of advice. Such as tips on how to manage certain emotional struggles, or practical advice on how to get through a rough day. My blogs are usually based, for the most part, on issues that arise in my own home in combination with themes that I see at work either with my clients or through case supervision with my peers.

I  find that writing about all these issues is a terrific outlet for me.

Aside from being able to help many of my readers, I also personally find that writing about all these issues is a terrific outlet for me. It gives me a reality check and forces me to face certain dynamics in my own relationships, or figure out how to manage certain stresses in my life.

But today’s blog is going to be a little bit different. It is not going to be advice, or suggestions or dos and don’ts.

Today, I merely want to express myself and the tremendous pride and gratitude that I am feeling toward my three daughters.

As some of you know, having my children was no easy task.

My husband and I went through years of fertility treatments, uncertainty and many losses. At times, I still find it hard to believe how blessed I am, and I sometimes just catch myself staring at these little girls, whom I created, in pure awe and amazement.

The last few weeks, for the most part, have run very smoothly in our home. Not an easy task. Despite the busyness of choir performances, after school activities, birthday parties, Bat Mitzvahs and lots of typical girl drama, my husband and I have a lot to be proud of.

More than any other achievements, however, is my need to recognize how terrific my girls have been with one other.

And although for the most part our lives are crazy and chaotic and full of sibling rivalry, there are, at times flickers of hope and hints that my children do actually like each other. They may, dare I say it, even love each other…

It is as if something has all of a sudden clicked…Why is it they are being so nice to each other? Or loving? Or supportive?

My children have not always got along. And don’t get me wrong, they still bicker plenty. But lately I have seen more maturity…a mutual dependence between all three of them. The older two are demonstrating more patience and understanding toward the younger one. My middle girl is more tolerant of her baby sister without feeling so hard done by. I cannot explain it, yet there are numerous times of late where I feel the house has run more smoothly because of the improved relationships between my children. Less jealousy? Perhaps. More support? Maybe. Just plain growing up? Thank God!

Or am I just becoming more aware and tuning out the bad stuff?

Probably a combination of all of the above.

Whatever it is, it is working, and I could not be more proud. And knowing that the girls are not out to hurt each other at every waking moment is certainly a source of comfort to all of us.

So is it true what they say? That life gets easier as we get older? That we spend less time doing for them, and we can start reaping the rewards of our years of hard work and hands-on-parenting? I look forward to seeing how our story, the story of my three daughters, continues to unfold.

Thanks for listening. I needed this.

Image: Three Sisters Print Inspirational Whimsical Folk Art by Lindy Longhurst.