With each passing week of this pandemic, I’m seeing a change in our family and in our children. Some days we struggle no doubt, but on the whole my children are not only growing, but thriving. They have shown me resilience in this time of uncertainty. They are finding ways, they too, can help. They are choosing love and grace for one another as we navigate this new territory together.
We miss our family and friends that had brought so much richness to our lives, but there’s a unity, an understanding, in this shared suffering. They share their fears with us and inevitably overhear ours as well, as we do not hide our adult conversations from them.
Last summer we read the Little Britches series by Ralph Moody, about a little boy growing up in the early days of Littleton, CO. The young boy grows up in a time of hardship and rather than be broken by the experience, he stands up. He takes on the role as a contributor to the family and demonstrates the value of learning, loyalty, respect, and personal growth. Despite becoming a mature young man, he does not resign from childhood. He is given a lot of freedom to make mistakes and find himself along the way. My children admired his big heart and drive to living with purpose.
This could not have been a better series for us to have embarked on. We had not known how relevant much of the shared read aloud experience would be just months down the road. My children were inspired. These stories left their imprint in their hearts.
I can see it shining through during this pandemic, as my children apply the teachings without my lead. You never know as a parent, what will stick, but with time you get glimpses into what left an impression on them.
I could not ask for my children to respond any better than they are. They are eager to live with purpose. They are eager to strive toward a common goal. They are eager to step up, however they can. They were born for this. It’s in their nature.
I’ve seen evidence of this. My oldest daughter has begun creating her own online classes, she has been baking and cooking for the family; twice this week she asked to make dinner. She helped my three-year-old brush his teeth, put on a diaper, and get into pajamas at bedtime. My oldest son has been reading to his younger siblings without request, he has worked out in the yard alongside his father as the sun starts to dip beyond the earth, and he has comforted his little brother as they snuggle together and slip into sleep. My five-year-old has jumped in to help with dishes, broken up soil in the garden, and held and comforted the baby as I have tended other tasks. My three-year-old has retrieved the needed pacifier, watered seedlings, and happily collected grass clippings for mulching our newly planted fruit trees.
The three older children taught my preschooler to ride a bike yesterday, offering loving encouragement, and holding the handles as he gained the confidence to gingerly mount the new venture. They have dirtied their hands preparing for new growth in the garden. They have hit their thumbs with hammers as they advance their skills in the trades. They have opened their hearts as they actively prepare COVID19 care packages for some of our loved ones.
There’s an understanding that we are in this together. That these connections are to be held beyond all others. We are each other’s lifeline. No quarrel is left untended, as our well being rests on the shoulders of one another. Though it’s easier to take on the role of victim of circumstance, I’m proud to say they are not. Just as a muscle must tear to develop new growth, our family is pushing the limits, feeling the pain, then recovering with enhanced strength. This cycle of building our family muscle will continue until we are strong enough as an organ to sustain life.
Stay home. Stay safe. Build your family muscle.