A few weeks ago I was talking to my cousin at my grandmother's funeral.
He asked me about my writing and I told him a little about the book I wrote and the ones I'm working on now. He said something to the effect of, "I'm so impressed that you can do that and raise 4 kids."
It was a sweet thing to say, and I could tell he meant it. I should have just said thank you, but I've always had trouble taking compliments, so instead I said, "Well, I don't do very well at other things. My house is always a mess."
Then he said something that really made an impact on me. I can't remember his exact words, but they were something like, "We should feel sorry for people with little children and immaculate houses. They miss out on a lot."
I liked that.
14 comments:
Very true.
Yep. Interesting thing to say.
Wow, that's perfect! Smart cousin. But I'm sorry about your grandmother.
That's such an apt quote. I'm sure there are people with little children and immaculate houses who still manage to do what they love. But I'm sure they're the minority.
I love this. I have a toddler, three dogs, and a messy house. But I LOVE my life.
I LIKE this!
Pursueing my dream of getting agent/published comes way last my children mean the world to me because children grow up so fast and I don't want regrets, what I can control now is being a positive parent that values spending time with my girls...the housework I won't lie I am a compulsive cleaner especially when I am stressed, and I love the smell of cleaners that smell like pine and lilacs LOL =o)
What an awesome cousin! And so wise, too. I totally agree. When I look back on my kids' childhood, I don't particularly remember whether or not the house was tidy all those times I stressed out about it, but you can bet I remember the wonderful things I was there for.
It's a shame that all too often, we don't get perspective on these things until it's much too late.
Such wisdom. I'm going to pass this on to my son-in-law who's a neat freak with my grandkids.
Truth. Love it.
so true so true!!!
:)
Aww, so sweet and so true. He's a wise man. <3
Wise words!! :-)
I can so relate to that, Natalie, and have thought similar things myself. We would go crazy trying to keep up with our house, kids and writing. Something's gotta go. For the writer, it's likely not to be the kids or writing. :) I think you chose well. There will always be time to have a clean house later, but you can never have this time with your kids, or this moment in your life when words are flowing well.
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