As a mother, I have a love/hate relationship with gift giving during the holiday season. While I appreciate friends and family showing their love for Georgie, I don’t appreciate the limitless chaos that normally takes place. That’s why, for the last three years, we have a new tradition when it comes to Christmas shopping. The Four Gifts advice or rule if you will, is one of my favourites and one that has been successfully applied when planning Georgie’s gifts.
I cried, then took a deep breath and promised myself more jumping on the trampoline with my boy. For all the mamas who think they get it wrong.
Every night before I kiss my son goodnight, I tuck him in and say I Love You. With his teddybear by his side, I close my eyes for just a second, and express my gratitude because I am able to keep my baby warm and safe from harm. There isn’t any way that I can begin to imagine the horror of not being able to do just that: Keep my child safe.
The morning Lily Rose was diagnosed with Leishmania and her fate sealed, Georgie was at summer school. The house was quiet aside from my wailing. For a few moments I was able to pretend that nothing and no one else existed in the world. I was able to ignore the aftermath of her death and zero in on my emotions, my loss. For just a few moments though because soon I would have to face a little boy and explain what death means. I would have to help him deal with HIS loss.
I bet your feelings regarding screen time were the same as mine before you had kids. You were probably disgusted by those parents at the restaurant who would readily hand over tablets and mobile phones. When you went to your friend’s house who already had kids you would secretly cringe at the child seated in front of the telly.
