Loving daughters reverse the roles

As the sun rose above the horizon this morning it was apparent that the new day brought with it a moderate amount of stress spilling forth from not only the holiday season but likewise the normal day-to-day responsibilities we as parents feel. My wife was especially feeling the frustrations of everything piling on and found it difficult to get motivated after a sleepless night. As she and I spoke, little did I know that our children were also paying attention. The conversation which ensued was not only heart-warming but also day altering.

Following a brief break in our conversation I observed as my daughters began strategically moving into position around their mother. As I set back and began finishing up my personal preparations my daughter moved adjacent to her mother and began explaining that we couldn’t lose sight of the important things in life. She described that what other people thought of us was really not all that important because the only “important thing is what we think about ourselves”. She then went on to say to her mother “so don’t stress about it at all,” explaining that sometimes people treat us badly because they don’t have a heart for other people… and they might be on “the naughty list because of their heart” for treating people badly. Both children then reassured their mother that everything would be alright and to welcome this day because it was going to be a good day.

As I watched the interaction between mother and child, I was stricken with not only an inability to speak but also a deep pride stemming from the manner by which true kindness and compassion for another human flowed forth from the lips of my two beautiful daughters. Although mere children, eight and nine years old, the words spewing forth from their mouths were comparable to ages of combined wisdom. As I watched, I thought about how these two little gifts chose to do everything in their power to change the outlook of a beloved friend. Likewise, allowing those around us to lift us up and help us to regain course is imperative. Although their mother, later, voiced her embarrassment that her children saw her frustrated, she appreciated the true compassion they showed.

So often we observe others in a state of crisis and have not only the ability but also the opportunity to effect positive change. The thing is, will we? Will we take the risk to meet others at their place of need, stripping ourselves of all our self-erected defense mechanisms, baring our soul to lessen another’s burden? When we do, as a humble eight-year-old proved, it is then that we can truly pass on the wisdom we have learned throughout history and maybe just lighten the burden of another in the process. Reach forth my friends and grasp the hands which have been extended in compassion, when your surroundings are brighter, share that same hand with another in an attempt to lighten the load of another.

Richard J. Stephens lives in Carter County and is the father of three little ladies ranging in age from eight to 29.