A Parent Finds Love Through Receiving![]() As I write this heart tears are streaming down my face. Tears of joy and love for having had the opportunity to be loved by a child with such depth that it allowed me to love myself deeper. Tears of gratitude to have said, “Yes!” to bringing this illuminated being into my life. And yes, tears of sorrow that I didn’t have more time with this amazing being. These tears remind me of the value of loving myself in ways I never knew I could before and continue to put effort in having more self-love. It began... ...On February 14, 1982, Valentines' Day, my son Ben was born. This bright-eyed, beaming little boy challenged me with his strong will and touched my heart with his tender caring that he offered to others. Little did I know the true significance of him choosing that day to enter my life. The gift of love that he has given me is more than I ever could have imagined possible. Nor did I know what it would take for me to fully receive that gift. ![]() On March 4th, 2001 he left this world unexpectedly through suicide and showed me to March forward with the love that he shared and would continue to share with me. I did not know at that time what was in store for me. I didn't even believe I had the strength to go on. He chose dates that were messages to me- to come in with a heart full of love and to leave with the promise that life will march forward in deeper love. Now here I am 15+ years later continuing to receive the love that he offers to me as I discover what a parent's love really encompasses. While we may all be tempted to call this a tragedy, the real tragedy would be to keep this gift all to myself. Initially, I know in my heart that having received this for myself was the first intention. It has given me a life I love living and an allowance for me that has allowed me to grow and love myself more than I ever have before and it keeps growing. Now I share it for all parents to receive. It is why I am so compelled to offer a different perspective to parents about the gift of being a parent and how they can be more of themselves as a gift to their children. My son, Ben has shown me that a Loving, Empowered Parent:
As you connect to the gift of being a parent, what can you be and do to receive the love of your child that allows you to love yourself more each day? What if you could see yourself through the eyes of your child? What would you see? Are you willing to allow the presence of your child to be the gift that allows you to be more of who you be by letting go of all that isn't truly you? What if you were truly grateful for your child just as he/she is now? What would that create for both of you? What have you received from your child that you can now acknowledge? The gift is here- it is up to you to receive it. Below is a recording of Beyond Grief and Into Joy, Mary shares further about the gift her son gave her.
6 Comments
Maria Gregori
2/6/2017 09:19:49 pm
Mary,
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Mary
2/7/2017 07:58:06 am
It is my joy Maria. Seeing parents like you discover more of you thru parenting brings more light to the world.
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Susan
2/7/2017 07:14:06 am
So grateful for you. You are such an inspiration to me and to all parents!
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Mary
2/7/2017 07:59:22 am
Thank you Susan. Be You in all you do!
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Harolyn
3/6/2019 12:27:33 pm
Maria has it right. You ARE the gift and it is a gift that keeps on giving. So grateful to have you in my world, in the world. Thank you for sharing.
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Mary
3/6/2019 12:36:41 pm
Thank you Harolyn! What a joy when we get that we are a gift and can share that with others.
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Mary Dravis-ParrishMary shares her desire to create different possibilities for families and individuals who are looking to live a more conscious and aware lifestyle. BE YOU Parenting is for parents who want to BE all that they truly BE and to allow their kids the same privilege. Archives
September 2020
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