Even for an early bird, 6:30 a.m. is early. At that time of day I am still staggering around the kitchen with a cup of coffee stuck to my lips. I am trying to pray, trying to compose a few coherent thoughts for a blog post…heck, trying to wake up.
This morning, for the third day in a row, Angela came thumping and bumping her way down the stairs at a very early hour. As she tromped over to me with books and blankets and stuffed animals in tow, I’ll admit to you the following:
I did not feel Donna Reed-y. I didn’t wipe my hands eagerly on my apron and pull a pan of fresh muffins out of the oven. I just….felt…crabby.
“What are you doing up?” I whispered.
She stared back at me soberly and gave no response.
“What are you doing up?” I asked again. Clearly this line of questioning was pre-coherent thought on my part.
*Silence*
I sighed and set down my coffee. If there had been a white flag, I would have waved it.
“Good morning, Angela.”
“Good morning!”
Transformed by love, my daughter responded. She then proceeded to eat a (store-bought) blueberry muffin and fall back asleep on the couch.
Me? I’m off to Mass to pray for graciousness.
Have a blessed weekend, everyone! (Come what may.)
Ad Jesum per Mariam,
I was just telling my husband this morning that I do so much better in my response to the kids when I’ve gotten up before them and had a cup of coffee. I can almost hear myself singing, “Good morning!” when they come down the stairs (just kidding). When we get up at the same time, it is sooooooooo hard to be charitable. Enjoy Mass!
HI! 6:30 and she fell back to SLEEP?!?! have peace! I do not encounter that ever on a daily basis. my kidos are up at 6am on and do not go back to sleep!!! ugh! I agree 100% —need that coffee first, baby 🙂
Bless that heart! It’s often the littlest ones that can help us when we need it the most. I know my 4 year old, Charlie, is like that. He has such a sweet way about him that I pray earnestly that he keeps it with him always. Those little ones can be so inspiring!
You are as gracious as they come, Maggie.
Sweet story and something for all mothers to remember.
I agree with Alice 100%. You had the presence of mind to surrender and that is what matters.
But wouldn’t it be nice to be Donna Reed-y all the time? I’m right there with you in this battle, sistah. Love you!
Thanks for the reminder. I read this yesterday and had it in my mind this morning when my son came in and woke me up. Instead of grumbling something incoherant I said “Good morning” and he climbed in bed and we had a very nice snuggle.
At least you were up. I just told my 3 year old to sit on the couch with her 6 year old sister and watch some cartoons.
*Of course I did get up within minutes to make my coffee, read some of the newspaper, and then I felt cheerful enough to make pancakes 😉
Weekends (especially in the summer) are hard for me to bounce up and seem perky.
Well if you didn’t have your apron on, did you at least have on your heels and pearls???
Joey is my Angela and he wakes up uglier than ugly and it sends me to the moon. The other day after I wanted to pinch him I asked for patience and guidance and took a deep breath. “Let’s just start over” I said. And we all survived.
You’re such a great mom!
Margaret, you are so sweet! I only just discovered your blog and intend to visit with you often. Blessings to you.