Saturday, February 7, 2009

Mama Says: Fruit don't fall far from tree...



Let me be the first to introduce you to the newest member of our family, "Katherine Rose". She is my daughter's special American Girl doll, and my miracle hopefully.




On my island, the old people say "Fruit don't fall far from tree". Therefore, whatever trouble you give your parents, you will surely get it back when you have children." Because they said it with such conviction, and they were old and wise, I figured they must know what they are talking about. I tried to remember how I was as a child and didn't have to think too long to decide that maybe I shouldn't have children. I was always scared to have children but during an emotional time in my life, I threw caution to the wind and we planned to have a child. I became pregnant with my daughter shortly thereafter. After giving birth, it didn't take long for me to decide that one child is more than enough for me! After all, why test fate again?

I was always concerned that my daughter was never really attached to any particular doll, toy, or stuffed animal like most kids I have seen. Consequently, unlike most parents, I didn't have the privilege of making "I'll take away your toys" an effective disciplinary tool. The girl was not phased by much. Whatever the situation, she would almost defiantly, just go with the flow where other kids would be screaming their lungs out. Her teachers would put her in timeout. Didn't bother her. She would sit there until it was over leaving them puzzled, rather than the child they originally set out to discipline. I always found it amusing when they would look to me for direction that I could not possibly provide them. After all, aren't they the experienced ones with kids? My cousin's wife once said of my daughter, "She is the kind of child that don't make you want to kill her. She makes you want to kill yourself." Although I don't endorse any killing, knowing the complex being that is my daughter, I understood what my cousin's wife was trying to say.

I do recognize that I have been blessed with an everflowing source of energy, but I also appreciate her unconditional love and calm of spirit. I am the luckiest woman on earth to have been chosen as the vessel to bring her complex, unique, enduring spirit into this world.

One Love, Se'Lah

2 comments:

Operaton You said...

You are indeed blessed! Your daughter is beautiful in all that she is. "Fruit don't fall far from tree" is true in every sense. She chose you both to be her parents as you chose her to be your daughter. Her Being knew you would be thankful to understand who she is and shape what she will become and that accountability you accepted is your unconditional and Godly love for her. Moving story! I love it. Welcome to the family Katherine Rose!

Anonymous said...

Wow, this Statement ..

"She is the kind of child that don't make you want to kill her. She makes you want to kill yourself."

This right here is powerful, and you know they're right. Children, either it is on them or you, you can tell the leaders from the followers early in life. Children ….God only gives you what you can handle. And we as parents need to stop saying we can’t handle it, cause we can.