What You've Taught Me

Dear Shane, Jackson, Sam, J, A, M, and K

Shane, You taught me how to be a mommy. You taught me how to run on very little sleep. You taught me how to come out of my shell and fight. You taught me that my heart can run around in a diaper with an Elmo doll in tow. You taught me to potty train early. You taught me about Elmo, Barney, Arthur, and Nemo. You taught me how to love unconditionally!

Jackson, You taught me what ten pounds feels like on the inside. You taught me what chubby cheeks and blue eyes can do to a soul. You taught me to enjoy food. You taught me how to turn the other cheek, but explode when the need arises. You taught me how to drift into Jacksonville. You taught me it's okay to think outside the box. You taught me to look through a child's eye.

Sam, oh Sam, you taught me patience. You taught me how spoiled a 'baby' can be. You taught me the true meaning of a surprise. You taught me how to run full force into life. You taught me that sometimes it's fun to shout it out loud. You taught me not to fear a closed door or a sharp corner. You taught me with your dad's big brown eyes, innocence. 

To by forever loves. You've taught me a lot. For being such little souls you have such wisdom. Your little lives are full of meaning.

J, you taught me to laugh out loud and never be afraid to show a huge smile. You taught me there's nothing wrong with a little drool. You taught be to say yes when the phone rings. You taught me that sometimes a disappearing act is the very best thing. You taught me the love that grandparents can have and how they can put their lives on hold to take care of their grandchildren when their own children won't. You taught me to live out loud and not care about people staring.

A, you taught me dress up. You taught me about beautiful brown curls. You taught me how loud a screech can be. You taught me how selfish a mother can be. You taught me about Aunts and Uncles who would fight to the death for you. And nearly did. You taught me to trust my instincts and know when to say goodbye. You taught my heart to break and heal again.

M, oh M. You taught me about true evil. You taught me that innocence comes in many forms. You taught me love at first sight. You taught me persistence in what is right. You taught me not to give up even when the tides change. You taught me more about grandparents love and the love of those not related to you. You taught me how a community can come together to keep you safe. You taught me how a church can explode with love for you. You taught me with big blue eyes and baby blonde how that I can say goodbye even though my heart shatters. You taught me about the love of a family who knows what's best for you and will allow us to see you. Your smile knitted up my broken heart of goodbyes. You taught me to overcome labels and live despite where you started.

K, you just got here and you're already teaching me. You're teaching me that it's amazing what someone who loves you can do for you, even if their heart breaks. You're teaching me to go beyond what you are labeled as. You're teaching me about dresses and legging and little pink sandals. You're teaching me about appointments and 5 bags of medicine. You're teaching me to schedule my time. You're teaching me not to look ahead, but to enjoy one day at a time, one smile at a time.

So to all my seven child. I thank you for all the lessons and look forward to future teachings.