Tonight after reading stories to the girls before bed Madeleine looked up to me with a silly gasp and said, "Oh goodness I almost forgot! " Then she pointed to her underwear reminding herself that she needed to put "night-time underwear" on before bed.
Madeleine really struggles with wetting the bed. Like her daddy did as a little boy, she gets herself into an extremely DEEEEP sleep. It is really frustrating and disheartening to her when she wakes up night after night with a wet pull-up on. (Sniffle, sniffle,tear. This is very sensitive to us.) I mean we have tried every suggestion and tip thrown our way...AND still she continues to sleep straight through an accident. Well, after she quickly changed and hopped into bed this was our conversation. " Why does a little 2 year old (Elisabeth is actually 3 now.) get to wear underwear at night and a 5 year old like me still has to wear a pull-up?"
My heart sank, but like always I proceeded to explain to her that we are all made differently. I continued to tell her about how she sleeps very deep and because so, she is unable to recognize any urges to go potty in the middle of her sleep. After my explanation, which I am sure she has heard a trillion times, with saddened red, watery eyes she very matter-of-factly looked up at me and said, "It's just not right. It's not right that I am oldest and still have to wear one." I agreed then leaned down and gave her a big hug and kiss. Just as I was about to let go of her embrace she held her head up high and smiled up at me saying, "It's alright, I like me just the way I am...NO MATTER WHAT!"
As soon as I exited the room I just stared down the hallway in awe! Did I seriously just have such a strong and mature conversation like that with my 5 year old little girl? I am overwhelmed and filled with emotion at just how amazing Madeleine is. Whoa! She never ceases to amaze me with her complete confidence, strength, maturity, kindness, and love. But I must say that tonight my feelings of adoration AND admiration for her smacked me head on... just as the winter wind in Iowa does the minute you step out your door. It left me breathless.
I don't write about this sensitive topic to embarrass my sweet angel but to inspire and remind all of us just how important it is to love yourself just the way we are....NO matter what! It's a great lesson for me today, especially as I sit here and want to cry/scream as I look down at my milky- white post baby blob hanging over my pants. Ugh!
It took my 5 year old sweetheart to remind me that my Father in Heaven created me and LOVES me just the way I am... no matter what!
1 Fabulous Thoughts:
Okay, just one more comment, because if I leave too many I could stand here all night wanting to talk to you:)
I have had this exact conversation with Gage...we have this same struggle. seriously, the same exact one! I love little Maddie's answer. She is so sweet. I know that Gage (and Maddie) will get it eventually, but with some it just takes longer.
Way to go blogging about this..I always feel like it's too sensitive to talk about!
Post a Comment