Apparently, they were preparing to begin work on their annual Mothers Day project, an occasion that has, in the past, caused no difficulty for Rowan. The last two Mothers Days, she's simply made the present and given it to me instead. But this morning was different.
When her teacher called me, she recounted that as she was talking to the class about this year's project, Rowan began to get upset, and was crying by the end. When Mrs. Adams pulled her aside to ask her what was wrong, Rowan stated that she really wanted to give her present to her mommy (Aimee).
Her teacher handled it beautifully, as always. She let Rowan express her feelings, gave Rowan some options to consider, and helped her feel better. Then she called me to let me know.Rowan will decide if she wants to give the present to me like the last couple of years, or to give it to Sarah since we'll be getting married soon. Or she might give it to her grandma Donna (Aimee's mother). Or she might keep it herself as another reminder of her mommy, and her love for her.
Personally, I don't any preference at all for which one she chooses. I trust she'll do what feels most comforting to her in this moment. And I'm grateful for the people that Rowan has around her to help her through these moments.
These landmines.
You see, I KNOW there will be more of these. As she grows and matures and develops, things that never bothered her before will begin to. Thoughts about her mother's death that never occurred to her before will. Some of them will make her sad. Some will make her angry.
And many of them will be unexpected.
Landmines.
This is the life Rowan faces, thanks to those who were responsible for her mother's death. A life of landmine events and holidays and conversations. The sudden longings for her mother at major life events.
No matter what I wish, there's no way to fix that. It's just part of her life and what she'll go through.
Pat you have alot of people in your life that are there to help you with times such as these. Thank goodness Rowans teacher handled it so well. She must have a heart of gold. My heart goes out to Rowan. You are doing such an awesome job as her dad, you being there for her, comforting her, listening, wiping her tears, you should be father of the year. Not alot of dad's would know what to do. But you have Sarah, Donna and numerous friends. Put it in God's hands he will guide you with these land mines. And praise her teacher for handling this with kindness and tenderness. You are blessed to have so many wonderful people there for you.
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