Perseverence

I know that as parents, one role we have is to be our child's teacher.  One thing that I have found rewarding about being a mother is actually the lessons that I learn from my children.

A word that we often use in our house is perseverence.  It began when Papaya's Martial Arts teacher used it in class and we carried it into our daily lives. 

I saw this word in action during Papaya's Occupational Therapy yesterday.  Watching her determination opened my eyes to how strong my child really is.  I've always said that when she focuses her stubborn determination in a positive manner, she will move mountains, that is for sure!!

The object was, while riding tummy down on a scooter, to pull herself up a ramp to retrieve a ring.  Then she was to let go, sliding backwards on the scooter down the ramp, place the ring on the holder, repeat.  In the beginning she was to pull herself up using a rope (she ended up using her hands on the side of the ramp to pull up).  This sort of activity is challenging to Papaya, although she would never in a million years admit that.  I sat watching her trying again and again to get the scooter over the first bump onto the ramp.  She was absolutely determined to do it, and was not going to accept any help.  She figured out the trick (really a matter of physics) and was able to complete the task repeatedly.  Watching her in action was such a powerful lesson for me though.  I could hear her talking herself through it "I can do this, I can do this" which turned into an excited "I did it!!"

As a mom, one of the hardest things is watching your child struggle through anything, whether it is large or small.  I do believe that all the struggles and challenges strengthen you as a person.  I hope that Papaya learns many valuable lessons through the things in life that are challenging.  I hope she truly continues to understand and embrace perseverence - never giving up, but continuing to try her very best, even in those moments she feels like giving up.  I hope that she learns that hard work pays off.  I hope that she continues to believe in herself and have the confidence to conquer any mountain that comes her way.  I hope that her seeing all sorts of unique individuals, all with different stages of ability, that she will have an unconditional love for her neighbor, without judgements, but accepting everyone for the way God made them - and that through her challenges the empathy within her will continue to grow and a deep wisdom will flourish as well.