Home

Contact
us

About
NYM

Read
Newsletter

Search,
Browse

Links

Today's Native Father

Archive of Articles

Free booklets

Marriage/Parenting Tip

Calendar of workshops

E-mail questions or comments

This article is from Today's Native Father, issue #131, January/February, 2004. Related articles from this issue:
Build a Better Brain
Wisdom for Fathers
Benefits of Reading to Your Children

Dear Moms,

The following thoughts were inspired by a piece by Mary Rita Schilke Korzan in Stories for the Heart (copyright 1996 by Questar Publishers, Inc.).

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you and daddy kissing and hugging each other. I was SO embarrassed that I was peeking through my fingers. “Ooooh, mommy-daddy, that’s mushy!” But I feel so snuggy and safe, it makes me want to giggle right out loud.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, you bought me a new backpack for First Grade. It had new paper, pencils, erasers, markers, glue, crayons, scissors, a ruler, a pencil case and a little watch in case I forgot recess. I put it on my back and sat in the big chair for a long time, feeling so important. And you even took a picture of me. I went to school tall and strong.

When you thought I wasn't looking, you took some homemade cookies to an elderly couple. They were grouchy because they were sick, but you just smiled and were cheerful. I was very surprised. And then I remembered times I was grouchy and you still helped me, even gave me kisses. I’ll try to be like you.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, you got up in a bad mood. Cupboard doors were slamming, pots and pans were banging while you were making breakfast.
Dad scurried off to work, I gulped my cereal down so fast I thought I’d choke. My eyes were wide and my heart felt like that merry-go-round at school without the merry. That evening your eyes were red, and you said, “I’m sorry” about ten times and hugged Dad and me until we both had all the merry squeezed right back into us. We forgave you because you asked us to. Hey! Why not?

When you thought I wasn’t looking, you kept our house clean and tidy. You made us keep our rooms spic and span. At least I could find my socks and undies all the time. And come to think of it, you were dressed real pretty, too. Not fancy, just pretty. It feels like you had self-respect or something like that. I feel real proud because you are like a queen in a castle and that makes me a princess!

When you thought I wasn’t looking, you picked up a billfold lying on the sidewalk. You counted the money carefully and had a faraway look in your eyes. I heard you say something about groceries and hydro, but suddenly your face flushed and resolutely you stepped it off to the Police Station. We didn’t have ice cream for two weeks after that, but you served Jello on your prettiest plates. Honesty is OK!

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you cry. You were on your knees. It was after a hateful phone call. I learned that things hurt, and tears come and it’s OK. I think you were telling Jesus about it, right? I came to give you a hug when I saw you there. You reached out and pulled me down beside you. I will remember that for a long time. When you stood up, you were smiling quietly through tears. When I stood up, I was in wonder and my heart felt quivery. I think Jesus is OK because my Mom prayed and she was changed.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, you and daddy made up your minds to take me to church every Sunday. I would sit there on that hard bench with my legs straight out and you’d give me a “look” if I would wiggle too much. You would give me a whole quarter to put in the offering. You would show me the words in the Bible and song book. After while my legs got long enough to touch the floor. I began to understand why you go to church every Sunday. It was something about Jesus loving you and me enough to die for us. Now talk about snuggy!!!

And you thought I wasn’t looking!

Pondering,

Ilva

Top of Page