These range from silly to sappy to serious, and some even totally unrealistic, BUT—a mama can wish and pray and hope. Because that is what we do.
I would truly die of parental happiness if:
- My daughter would wake me with hot coffee every morning. And then get in bed with me to snuggle.
- My kids would learn to use a towel more than ONCE. The laundry piles up so fast, and right now we have NO laundry room. (#remodelingisachoice #nowhiners)
- The boys would clean up the pee (their pee!) around the toilet. Daily.
- My teenager would eat more green veggies.
- My teenager would clean his room. Sometime. Somehow.
- My kids would do their chores without me EVER reminding them. Now that’s realistic, eh?
- My “special guy” Ryan would only ask 100 questions per day instead of 1000.
- My kids learn to drive without making me crazy nervous, and zero accidents.
- They decided video games were total junk food for their brains and quit playing them forever.
- Getting out the door for ANYTHING was easy, fast, and a happy process for all involved.
- Bedtimes were blissful. See last bullet point.
- My kids stayed away from boyfriend/girlfriend stuff till college years.
- And when they do get to that stage, told all their dates they won the lottery with the parents they got.
On a more serious note, I would die of parental happiness if…
In relationships:
- My daughter, Kate, never has (any more) friendship drama or experience “mean girls.”
- That Ryan would have one or two true friends in his adult years.
- That Luke would always have buddies who truly have his back, are full of honesty and integrity, and appreciate his witty ways.
- Luke and Kate have long-term friendships with people who inspire them and challenge them, and with whom they can have vulnerable, authentic relationships.
- Luke and Kate marry who we want them to marry. No, I mean, whom God wants them to marry.
In terms of their personhood:
- My boys always felt capable and courageous.
- Same goes for Kate.
- That Kate would know her true beauty comes from within and not struggle with body-image issues.
- Have a sense of both humor and wonder about life.
- That my kids would discover and pursue their true passions in life. Without the gremlins of fear and anxiety getting in the way.
- That their passions would include reaching out to those in need, locally and globally.
- My children grow up with a healthy embracing and understanding of their sexuality (and hopefully, purity, till marriage).
- Kate and Luke feel a strong bond with Ryan, and feel a compassionate responsibility (not burden) for Ryan in their adult years, and/or after Chris and I pass on.
In terms of faith and emotional health:
- That all my kids would have a solid, rich faith in God, and that their lives would speak volumes of love and compassion and generosity.
- My children knew that despite hardship and trials in life that God allows, He is still full of goodness and faithfulness, and worthy of their trust in Him.
- Their major life decisions would be bathed in prayer and wise counsel.
- Speaking of wise counsel, that they would seek help or therapy in times of need; that their egos or pride would not stop them.
- A cure for Prader-Willi syndrome (Ryan’s genetic disorder) was discovered; or at least the hyperphagia part of PWS. And maybe the question-asking-part, too. 😉
- That they would be very self-aware, but not selfish, self-absorbed, or self-centered.
- They live with intentionality. And wisdom. And humor.
- That my kids would say when they grow up, that they absolutely knew and felt they were loved and secure in our family.
- Despite my showing of my humanity, flaws, and failures, that Luke, Kate, and Ryan know that I was their #1 Fan, full of unconditional love and grace and confidence in them.
I could go on and on with what I hope and dream and pray for my three not-so-tiny-anymore children. I didn’t even talk about what kind of marriages I hope they have, or financial responsibility or… I feel fierce hope for their futures, and I love them with an ocean-full of love. I’m sure I will add to this list as the years go on and on. Because I will never stop being their mother.
Lora Ackermann says
I’d like more than coffee brought to me…I’d like my children to make their own breakfast, AND mine, AND clean up afterwards. OR how about I only have to give instructions ONE time….OR, how about rather than begging for more screen time, they are begging for more read time or creative time….OR…..could go on and on and on and on….just like my kids.=0)
Dana says
Love this!! We can all dream…
michelle says
Such a good list!
Kim says
This is so beautiful, Jess. So proud of you and just love your heart for your children!
Jennifer says
You put into words, so beautifully, what we all wish and hope for. Thank you!!!