Mothers & Parenting – I and Thou Reflections

A Christmas Miracle – Part 5

There is no doubt in anyone’s mind about the emotional roller coaster of pregnancy. It’s something experienced by all who are in close contact with a woman “with child.” From the crazy food cravings to the emotional outbursts, there is never a dull moment.

Mary & Son, Jesus
Elizabeth & Son, John (The Baptist)

Mary and Elizabeth were first-time mothers-to-be and surely had emotions stirring inside of them. Both were destined to give birth. Both had partners at their side.

At her advanced age, Elizabeth probably laughed, yet felt blessed to be able to conceive and finally bear a child. She looked forward to blending in with the other women in the neighborhood. She would no longer be stared at for being childless. Awe. Astonished. Honored. Blessed. Privileged. Matronly. Relief.

Mary did not laugh, yet most likely felt blessed and privileged to be chosen by God to deliver the baby Jesus. Even being the Holy Mother, she undoubtedly felt the scorn of some in society as an unwed pregnant girl. What shame she must have felt and her family, too. Throw that all in with a mix of hormones running wild, and one can sense the good with the bad. Awe. Astonishment. Honored. Blessed. Anointed. Miraculous. Unbelief. Lowly. Scared. Disappointed. Bewildered. Humbled. Sacred.

Unique Story

Like Elizabeth, I was older when I gave birth to my younger son. It was redemptive to me, a moment filled with joy. It might have been something like the anticipation that Elizabeth felt. My pregnancy was uncomplicated! It contrasted with my first one, which might have echoed Mary’s apprehension and curiosity. Like Mary’s experience, my husband wasn’t initially thrilled about my first pregnancy, leading to emotional turmoil. My dream of motherhood clashed with the challenges of medical complications, which labeled my pregnancy as high-risk. While overjoyed, I felt conflicted, as perhaps Mary did. I wondered if I had done something terribly wrong.

When reflecting on my pregnancy, it’s not hard for me to imagine that Elizabeth and Mary faced their diverse emotions just as I did. I’m pretty sure the feelings darted all around. The joyous anticipation, the unforeseen challenges, and the conflicting emotions bubbling up inside.

I experienced all kinds of emotions all at the same time. For me, there was no other life experience that came close. It was like being on a rollercoaster, with its ups and downs, having a massage day at the spa while enjoying your favorite ice cream cone while crying – all rolled up into one.

The Miracle of Emotions

Just as God chose Elizabeth and Mary to play pivotal roles in the Nativity Story, God may have chosen a man named Mark to play a significant role in my first pregnancy. Mark was the counselor at the clinic. He was kind and empathetic. He guided my then-husband and me through our whirlwind of emotions and encouraged us to stay strong.

*Artist Credit: Michael Byers*
https://mbillustration.wordpress.com/

The Closeness to God

Toward the end of pregnancy, the anticipation. The unknown. The praying. The closeness to God.

Praying for the baby.

Praying for the baby’s health.

Praying for stability.

Praying for a loving husband to be supportive.

Praying for the miracle of birth.

I felt that God was with me every step of the way. And I’m guessing Elizabeth and Mary felt that way too. Our pregnancies and the birth process were nothing short of a miracle. Like Elizabeth and Mary, I had a son. Then, six and a half years later, I gave birth to a second son. The experience of feeling different emotions at the same time was a miracle.

Have you considered asking God about the emotions you feel?

The next blog will explore The Miracle of Jesus’ birth.

#Birth #Christmas #Motherhood #Mary #Elizabeth #Faith #NavityStory #Emotions #Pregnancy

A Christmas Miracle – Part 4

Elizabeth and Mary were key players in the Christmas Story. Each had a unique role in giving birth under different circumstances. Yet, each was obedient to God and fulfilled their miraculous divine appointments.

We will continue our consideration of the Miracle of Birth theme by exploring the emotions swirling around in a woman’s head “with child.”

The Miracle of Emotions During Pregnancy

We can all agree that emotions run all over the place in daily life, in some of us more than others. And certainly, more when pregnant. A woman’s first pregnancy is filled with an array of emotions that swirl around with her hormones, making them quite jumbled. From excitement…to…feelings of confidence sprinkled with inadequacies, it is a time in a woman’s life when success and failure take on a whole new meaning: Her baby solely depends on her. The woman is the incubator.

Yet, she is still a woman. She is trying to wrap her head around the never-ending changes in her body. She begins to think of her baby, herself, and the world around her.

She asks herself, “What is happening?”

The food cravings.
The sexual desire.
The baby.
The father.
The grandparents.
The extended family.

Anxiety, frustration, tiredness, joy, anticipation, delight, miracle.

Questions may include:

Will I have a healthy baby?
Why am I getting so fat?
How else will my body change?
How is my baby going to fit out of my body?
Why does the smell of food make me sick?
Why am I feeling this way?
When will my nausea subside?
How does one take care of a baby?
Who will take care of the baby if I’m sick?
How will I be as a mother?
Will I be good enough?
I have no experience.
How will I manage all that is expected of me?

Anxiety, frustration, tiredness, joy, anticipation, love, doubt, delight, miracle.

In the next blog, we will more specifically, imagine how Elizabeth and Mary may have felt when pregnant.

#Birth #Christmas #Motherhood #Mary #Elizabeth #Faith #NavityStory #Emotions #Pregnancy

A Christmas Miracle – Part 3

In the last post, we talked about Elizabeth’s backstory. How Elizabeth and Mary were cousins pregnant at the same time.

The Miracle of Birth – The Backstory of Mary

The story begins with Mary, a young girl, and her fiancé, Joseph.

Mary and Joseph were engaged.

Mary was a virgin, until the Holy Spirit visited and impregnated her, causing confusion for the pair. Not to mention family and friends as well. Theoretically, Mary was still a virgin.

**Artist:* Stephen B. Whatley: *Mary and The Holy Baby Jesus – St Stephen’s Day 2012* www.stephenbwhatley.com

“Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High.”
Angel Gabriel

Of course, Joseph was quite angry that his betrothed was “with child.” And he knew it wasn’t his!

Anger led to the Angel.

In a dream, an Angel visited Joseph and told him to care for Mary.

“Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”
Angel Gabriel

And so it was. Joseph and Mary were a couple, and they were destined to become parents. Parents of the long-awaited Messiah.

Pillars of Faith

Elizabeth and Mary were pillars of faith and obedience to God. And so were their respective partners, Zechariah and Joseph. Although Elizabeth was well beyond her childbearing years, it was miraculous for her to conceive. It was her pregnancy that served as a precursor to Mary’s virgin birth. Mary’s conception was even more miraculous because it symbolized the divine nature of the birth of the Christ-child that transcended all logical and biological thoughts and constructs.

Transcending All Logic

Faith transcends logic. To the logical mind, we must see proof before something can be believed. Yet, as people of faith, we don’t have to see evidence. We believe because we “feel” the Spirit of God within us. After all, we were made in the image of God. It sure is awesome to “feel” God’s presence. Yet, many of us feel dry. Unheard. Empty. We ask, “Where are you, God.” And the answer is silence.

Is it possible to have faith when you don’t “feel” God’s presence. Faith is a choice. Choosing to believe regardless of your feelings will reap rewards whether you “feel” them or not.

We Are The Clay

There hasn’t been a time in my life when God was absent. Of course, there were times when I thought he abandoned me. Like when I was bullied in junior high school. Or during my first marriage. Or during the divorce. But, I realized that God was walking me through the darkness. So I could come out the other side. Like a piece of fine pottery after being in the kiln’s heat.

Sometimes, we must surrender logic to fully feel the Holy Spirit in us. If you feel lost, perhaps try to talk to God? Ask God to reveal his image to you. To feel his presence. To walk with you on your life journey. God is the peace that passeth all understanding.

A Christmas Miracle – Part 4, will discuss the Miracle of Emotions During Pregnancy.

#Birth #Christmas #Motherhood #Mary #Elizabeth #Faith #Nativity #Logic #Faith #Miracles

*Used by permission

A Christmas Miracle – Part 2

There is no doubt that Christmas time is a time of wonder and awe.

And what possibly could be more miraculous and wondrous than the Miracle of Birth? Today’s post begins with two special ladies from the New Testament who give birth to two extraordinary baby boys.

Elizabeth and Mary. Both mothers conceive according to God’s divine plan. We will explore each one separately.

The Miracle of Birth – The Backstory of Elizabeth

Let me set the stage.

Artist Credit: Of Knowledge Painting by Kd Neeley

Mary and Elizabeth are cousins and are pregnant at the same time. Elizabeth is an older, more mature woman married to Zechariah, a priest. Elizabeth was barren, and she and her husband longed for a child, yet they knew time was running out.

Why were children so important in Biblical Times?

At that time, children were a sign of God’s favor. Since Zechariah was a priest, it is easy to imagine people talking behind their backs about them being childless. How could a priest not have children? They must have been the talk of the town. Until…

Gabriel.

The Angel who pays a visit to Zechariah.

Elizabeth & Son, John the Baptist

Gabriel not only tells Zechariah that Elizabeth will bear a child, but his name will be John, and that the baby would grow to be a man who would prepare the way for the Lord.

Just like Sarah laughed in disbelief when God told her she would have a baby in her old age, Zechariah doubted this message from God. Because Zechariah doubted, he could not talk until the baby was born. God silenced him.

Little did Zechariah know at the time that John would be the voice calling in the wilderness.

“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”
Matthew 3:2

The Voice of God

Have you ever heard a voice calling in the wilderness? Or God speak to you directly? Or witness a profound moment in which it felt God intervened on your behalf?

Once, I was in my car heading west on Route 1 from Hoboken to Maplewood, NJ. There was traffic, and a car stopped abruptly in front of me. There was no time to react. Yet, I felt an unnatural force stop my car from hitting the car in front of me. I remember thanking my guardian angel to this day.

Similarly, once, I was traveling from Hoboken to Stamford, CT. It was in a blizzard. As I was rounding a corner in Tarrytown, several cars spun out and collided. My car spun out, too. But my car landed in a small ditch. Sure, I was rattled. But I was safe. My car was safe. And I was able to drive the rest of the way home. Once again, my guardian angel was watching over me.

God and his army of angels tend to show up when you least expect them. I’d love to hear about your experiences with God.

In the next post, we will continue this theme of The Miracle of Birth. We will further explore the mothers who gave birth to two religious leaders who changed the world.

#Christmas #Birth #Motherhood #Mary #Elizabeth #Faith #Nativity #Emotions #Miracles

A Christmas Miracle – Part 1

Introduction

To faith-based people, Christmas is the celebration of the birth of their savior, Jesus.

Most of us are familiar with the significant elements of the Christmas Story, or as some might say, the Nativity Story. Like baby Jesus, Mary, Joseph, and the manger. Then came the shepherds and the wise men.

The Bible definitely doesn’t wrap stories up with neat bows. They are often confusing and void of details. Yet, the Bible has withstood through the ages as the most significant piece of literature of all time.

Why?

Because its words pierce the heart and allow the Holy Spirit to speak to each one of us uniquely. And maybe the Bible was written just for you and me!

The Miracle of Motherhood

Before we can appreciate and fully understand the meaning of Jesus’ birth, we need a refresher on noteworthy mothers in the Bible. We begin today’s post with the miracle of motherhood.

In the Bible, several women give birth to baby boys, who become some of the greatest leaders in the Bible. These Old Testament women faced infertility and were initially unable to conceive. Some were even past child-bearing age! Yet, through God’s divine plan, each went on to experience the miracle of birth.

Sarah & Son, Isaac

There is Sarah, the wife of Abraham, who becomes pregnant and gives birth to Isaac (Genesis 21:1).

Rebecca & Twins, Esau & Jacob

Interestingly, next is Rebecca, the wife of Isaac, who gives birth to twins Esau and Jacob (Genesis 25:25-26).

Rachel & Son, Joseph

After Rebecca comes Rachel, Jacob’s wife. Jacob is the man who married Leah by mistake (wearing a veil in the bridal tent) and then has to work seven more years for his Uncle Laban’s approval to marry his true love, Rachel. Rachel becomes the mother of Joseph (Genesis 30:22).

Manoah’s Wife & Son, Samson

Then, there is the unnamed woman who is Manoah’s wife. She conceives and gives birth to Samson.

Hannah & Son, Samuel

Next is Hannah, who cries out to God and finally has Samuel. After weaning, she presents Samuel to Eli, the Priest, who then raises Samuel in the house of God (1 Samuel 1:20).

Each of these women was deeply spiritual. They each cried out and prayed fervently for a child. Some, for decades. Sarah even laughed when God promised Abraham descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky. She waited more than fourteen years for the prophecy to come to fruition.

The Miracle of Surrender

These women who become mothers teach us that God controls even the minute details of our lives. Even though the Bible may be devoid of details, there is nothing in this world that God does not know. There is a plan for you and for me.

How do we ensure we are doing what God wants us to do? For me, the first step is surrender.

We need to let go and let God.

When we give ourselves to God, we open ourselves to new possibilities. New doors to open and go through. You will only know what is on the other side of the door if you open it.

Reflecting on a point of surrender in my life, a pivotal moment stands out – back in 2015. Faced with a failed job search in the tri-state area, I turned to prayer. “God, I surrender and will go where you lead.”

The Miracle of a Dream Come True

I expanded my job search nationwide, leading to a surprising job offer in Arkansas. Little did I know what God had in store for me. My dream of teaching academic courses was fulfilled a few short years later. Only God knew of that dream, and it came true!

How do these biblical stories relate to you and your life’s journey? Has there been a time in your life that you surrendered to God? I’d love to hear about it.

As we close, may this Christmas be a time for you to be open to the possibilities of what might lie ahead.

Go ahead and open the door.

#miracles #relationships #mothers #motherhood #christmas

*Behind Closed Doors – Artist: Unknown (From Pinterest*)

I and Thou: The Freedom to Return Home

*Image Credit: Author Alfred Gatty (1809-1873), published by Bell and Daldy, London*
*(PD-US-expired)*

The Freedom to Return Home

A baby bird in a cage, like an infant in a crib.

Tweets, hops, and flutters, but cannot fly away.

Sits on a perch, swings, back and forth.

Days turn to weeks, weeks flow into months.

Months become years, contemplating direction.

Quick. Smart. Wise.

The cage door opens and opportunity knocks,

Whispering softly, “Come out, come out.”

Independence calls, leaping out in joy,

“Go, find your destiny, not by happenstance.”

Genetics. Nature. Nurture. Self.

There is a hesitation.

Contemplating what lies ahead.

The cage door opens and out flies an eagle.

Tall. Slender. Piercing eyes. Determined.

Solo flight amid internal turmoil.

Triumphantly soaring above the trees.

Heart. Stops. Instantly. Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock.

Circumstances warrant rebirth.

Chirping. Singing. Flapping. Swinging. Transforming. Courage.

Homecoming.

Lessons Learned from Princess Diana – Lesson #10

Lesson #10: Carpe Diem

The final Lesson Learned from Princess Diana will focus on her zest for life. And how she seized the day with gusto!

Zest for life is a feeling of enjoyment and enthusiasm for living.
https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/zest-for-life

Princess Diana was warm-hearted, zesty, and full of spunk. She had the gift of knowing what to say and when. She didn’t overstep her bounds, yet she was able to get her point across through action and facial gestures. Diana knew that her every move was being microscopically scrutinized. And she learned how to use this to her advantage. Her early childhood dance lessons taught her to focus on movement with grace. And that she did throughout her life.

Even during the dark days of her marriage, she could hold her head up high and get through the day. Yes, she experienced the trauma of an adulterer. Which led to various ways of healthy and unhealthy coping. Yet, she pulled through and continued to push herself to greatness.

The greatness of humanitarian work.

The greatness of being a good mother.

The greatness of advocating for good mental health care.

“I want to do, not just to be.” – Diana, Princess of Wales.
26 Princess Diana Quotes—Inspiring Quotes from the People’s Princess | Reader’s Digest (rd.com)

Princess Diana warmed the heart of nations. She left an indelible mark on society, and that mark was to SIEZE THE DAY!

Do what you love.

Tell people you love them.

Hug them.

ACT.

Reflecting on my mothering skills, I showed my children zest for life. By loving them. Hugging them. Supporting them. Encouraging them.

To try.

To do their best.

To pursue their passions.

My kids were cub scouts and played t-ball, baseball, soccer, tennis, football, and lacrosse. They learned to swim and pursued the discipline of tai kwon do. They sang in the children’s choir for years and went to Sunday school. They were tutored and were tutors. They played keyboard, trombone, clarinet, and saxophone. They spoke French and Spanish. They were golf caddies. They graduated from respectable universities.

And they were two sons with divorced parents – unlike me.

Like Diana, my marriage failed miserably, and my zest was zapped. It led me on a dark path. Yet, after I spent time wallowing in my sorrow, I picked myself up. Thanks to God who whooped me in the pants to stop feeling sorry for myself.

I felt transformed. Full of zest. Full of life. And love to give. And receive. Freely. It was and still is a wonderful feeling.

Carpe Diem!

It isn’t easy the seize the day, every day. There are hindrances, like migraines or feeling tired. Or plain ole–old age. Yet, I have a bubble inside of me waiting to burst. To love and to be loved. When I love, I love hard.

What is the key to life? For me, it is creating a more peaceful and compassionate world. One where we seek to understand and respect our differences.

To live humbly.

To live with a purpose.

To inspire others.

To hope.

To love.

To as the University of Ozarks’ motto is, “Live life more fully.”

Love one another. Inspire one another. Laugh with one another and cry with one another. With vim, vigor, and a dose of zest!

Lessons Learned from Princess Diana – Lesson #7

Lesson #7: Stand Up for What You Believe In

Princess Diana stood up for what she believed in. She used her voice to challenge the royal system and did things differently. Boy, did Diana do things differently. From breaking from the 1662 tradition of wedding vows, sending her boys to preschool, and wearing black at non-funeral events, she was a rebel in her own right.

Her subtle insistence. Her impish grin. Her brilliant mind. Princess Diana stood up for what she believed in and used her voice to advocate change. Once she realized she had a platform with the public, she wittingly raised awareness of taboo subjects such as HIV/AIDS, mental health, and banning landmines.

Princess Diana stood up for what she believed in by being a hands-on parent to her children. She went to great lengths to provide her children with “normal” kid things such as a Disney vacation, a McDonald’s happy meal, and participating in school events, such as the annual parent’s race, where Diana came in first place in 1988.** She broke royal protocol by being herself – a down-to-earth, fun-loving, jest-for-life person.

Marriage. Parenting. Divorce. Princess Diana stood up for what she believed in and lived a life where she instilled values of honesty, compassion, and kindness. She believed in fairness by fighting for a fair divorce settlement, including shared custody of her children. Diana worked tirelessly to provide a smooth transition for her children to limit the emotional damage divorce does to children. Above all else, she loved her children. She believed in them.

In reflecting on my life, standing up for what I believe in seemed to be a challenge for me. Most likely, stemming from childhood trauma. From that time forward, I felt that I had no voice. It took decades to realize these traumas impacted my relationships far more significantly than I realized then. First marriage. Parenting. Divorce. In my first marriage, I was viewing life through a particular lens. A lens that was colored. Dark. Unfocused. Unable to see the murkiness. Until one day. One day, it all came into focus. It was the day my then-husband did the unspeakable. All in a flash, I saw the truth. And pain.

I was willing to do the hard work, like Princess Diana, of speaking my truth, which enabled me to leave a broken marriage, better myself as a mother, and remarry and become the wife I was meant to be. Standing up for myself has allowed me to be free. Free from harsh words. Free from unkindness. Free from disrespect.

Like Diana, I, too, was a supportive mom to my sons in their growing-up years. I have been and always will be their best cheerleader. Princess Diana inspired millions of people around the world. I have inspired a few here and there too. Diana gradually realized she had a platform to use her voice over time as she gained more confidence as a royal. She also was “just a mom.” She used her voice to speak out against injustice and advocate change. Change in what vows are read at weddings, how we can parent and fulfill career responsibilities at the same time, and why it is necessary to have good mental health.

I am trying to be more like Diana. I speak about estrangement. It is an injustice. I want to bring awareness of how estrangement rips families apart. The other day, a Rabbi called it “psychological murder.” Although it seems harsh, I couldn’t agree more. Knowing your child lives somewhere but not exactly sure where, not having a way to tell whether he reads texts or emails, is like a slow death. Over and over. Each time the phone rings. Each time email is checked. Each time mail is retrieved from the mailbox. Will I ever hear from my son? Parents must be held accountable for alienating themselves, their children, their parents, and extended family members from others including, the other “targeted” parent. The court system must be held accountable for perpetuating broken relationships. Let’s fix it. Together. Together is better.

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*https://www.thelist.com/288119/14-times-princess-diana-broke-strict-royal-rules/
**https://www.newsweek.com/fact-check-princess-diana-break-royal-protocol-school-moms-race-1738917
Written with the assistance of new Bing AI for research purposes.

Lessons Learned from Princess Diana – Lesson #6

Lesson #6: Embrace Vulnerability

Image Source: hotcore dot info/babki/
lady-diana-cooper-quotes dot htm

Princess Diana used her public image and royal status to bring humility and honesty to the field of mental health. The life and legacy of Princess Diana embraced the vulnerability of others and, more poignantly herself. In her openness to her personal challenges, she may have unwittingly encouraged us all to confront our demons and seek professional help.

Princess Diana openly spoke about her battles with depression, self-doubt, and postpartum depression. By sharing her experiences, she humanized mental health issues and sparked conversations that were often considered taboo. This applied to her marriage woes as well. Diana had a knack for deeply relating to the public in many ways. After her troubled marriage became public knowledge, she openly discussed her challenges, allowing others struggling to feel seen and heard. She was a trailblazer.

As a teenager and young woman, I dreamed of creating a nurturing and safe space for my children. I imagined a warm and fuzzy place where heart-to-heart talks would be encouraged. I pictured two parents on the same page of the “Parenting Book.” But it didn’t end up that way as my children were growing up. The parents who I grew up with, that made me feel safe and loved and taught me how to be expressive by holding hands and kissing, were not the parents my children had. And yes, this still haunts me every now and again.

Reflecting on my journey of vulnerability as a parent, “I need to put on the oxygen mask first,” thinking comes to mind. I saw the benefit of counseling and sought it several times during and after my first marriage and a few times before my second marriage. I realized that two-way communication was the secret sauce in healthy relationships.

Good mental health requires people to be open and honest with themselves, their partners, and their children. Counseling requires hard introspective work, and many are just not ready to make that commitment. Often more time is needed to be ready for counseling. Or a fixed mindset prevents them from seeing the benefits of therapy or any help or assistance in general. It takes courage to acknowledge and express our true selves. Princess Diana showed the world that vulnerability is not a sign of weakness but of strength that fosters connection, empathy, and understanding. All of which necessitate some form of communication.

A smile.
A warm touch.
A glance.
A laugh.
A text.
An email.
A phone call.

I acknowledge moments of self-doubt, uncertainty, and the poor navigating of the often-hard road that parenting requires. Yet, I did something right because my children turned out to be okay. Both graduated from top-notch universities. Both are independent. Both are genuinely kind people if you dig deep enough. I’m sure we could agree that healthy relationships are vital in today’s ever-changing world. Even tricky words, we occasionally need to hear, are worth the effort.

Lessons Learned from Princess Diana – Lesson #5

Lesson #5: Be Compassionate

Princess Diana showed compassion in her daily living. She was compassionate toward herself, her family, and the global world. She empathized with those who struggled. Her warm nature bubbled out of her. Princess Diana had a particular type of charisma that was soft and infusive. It slowly dripped and left a trail where ever she went. From her impish grin to her sensitive, loving eyes, she brought authenticity to the monarchy like none other.

Photo Credit: Tim Graham/Getty Images in the Public Domain

One of Princess Diana’s most memorable moments of compassion was when she began her campaign for those suffering from AIDS. She publicly touched people with the disease early on, maybe even before anyone else. She shook hands and hugged the vulnerable. Now, we can look back and say that AIDS wasn’t contractable through touch. But then. No. The disease was new. There was misinformation everywhere. Very similar to when Covid hit in early 2020. There was speculation and a frenzy. Yet, Princess Diana believed that people who had AIDS were still people. Human. And they needed to be loved.

Princess Diana instilled her compassionate nature in her children. She took every opportunity to expose them to the real world. She did not want them to live sheltered lives. Princess Di wanted to teach her children about love. Compassion. Those less fortunate.

Reflecting on my more active mothering years, I, like Princess Diana, tried to instill compassion in my children. I once brought my son to an inner-city church to serve Thanksgiving Dinner to the homeless. I wanted my children to know that there were those less fortunate. I wanted them to appreciate what they had.

As a parent, I tried to infuse love and warmth into our home. It was challenging because I felt the friction of a partner who seemed to undermine every move I made. The more I wanted something, the more my partner fought against it. It was like an oil and vinegar thing. I know now that we were both working through childhood trauma. Whether he would admit that now is anyone’s guess.

Compassion and empathy are traits that can be taught by action. The world will improve if we commit ourselves to be less judgmental, more loving, and speaking kinder words. Princess Diana taught the world about compassion. A lesson undoubtedly worth learning.

Visit http://www.iandthoureflections.com for more lessons learned.

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