a piece of my heart

for two and a half weeks, my beautiful nephew, nevan, was able to come visit from florida.  it's been over a year since he and his dad moved to florida, and while i knew i missed him, i didn't realize just how much until he was here, driving chris and i around in the golf cart, telling us about dinosaurs, playing my snare drum, trying to avoid kona's face kisses, and giving me hugs that i never wanted to end.























the last night we got to see him and play with him was bittersweet.  it was the most fun we'd had during his visit, but i felt lonely knowing that at the end of the evening i'd have to say goodbye.  when he finally let go, after reaching out of the car window to give me one last tight hug, i cried.  i cried like a baby.  and i kept crying that evening because it felt like a part of me was missing.  i didn't know i could love him so much, and i didn't know that love for a child who isn't even mine could be so powerful.  i think part of it is due to the circumstances surrounding nevan's living in florida, and part of it is a nurturing love because of his health issues, but all of those things aside, i love that little boy more than i ever thought possible; just the thought of him makes me feel emotions so strong it brings me to tears.

there are so many reasons i'm still not ready to be a mom, but one of my biggest, nagging fears was, "will i be able to love my child?"  not to get heavy, because i try to keep things lighthearted, but i've been so scared that because my mom didn't love, want, and accept me like a mother should, i would repeat that.  i worried that i would continue the cycle and there would be one more person in the world just looking for love and acceptance.  while nevan was here, and especially since he's been gone, i've come to realize that i'll be nothing like my mom.  i still have dozens of reasons for not having a baby now or in the near future, but i'm happy to remove the biggest one from my list!  oh, and kona happens to really really like young children, so there's one reason to be a parent.

9 comments:

  1. I know that you and I talk about these things together, but they take on a different, more powerful meaning when put out there for the world to read and understand. I sure do love you Misshey and I think that we will be wonderful parents when that time arrives.

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  2. This post was very touching. He looks like such an amazing kid. I think when our eyes are opened to what we know we don't want to be we won't be that way. You sound like you will be a wonderful loving mom to any kids you decide to have. You know the pain of not feeling that love and acceptance from your mom so you are more likely to go overboard on the love department. Such a great meaningful post.

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  3. How lucky Nevan is to have such a loving auntie. I'm glad you got to spend time with him, and I'm sure he'll remember it forever.

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  4. Oh, this post made me all teary eyed. You are both lucky to have each other in your lives.

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  5. Girl, you cry over parrots. You're going to be an amazing mom some day in the distant future, & the love you have pours out so freely that I know you'll be ready to give. I know you love giving. Just, so much about you makes me know that you would be the most loving, coolest, & most ridiculous parent. Which is why you might want to wait a while. ;) I always talk about how I can't have kids till I grow the fuck up...not to mention the fact that I'd need a baby daddy. ;) Love you, toesy.

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  6. Your nephew is lucky to have such a loving aunt and so will any future children you may have! Such a sweet and touching post and really hit home since I just got back from spending a couple days with my long-distance nephews. And the fact that the kid debate is always going on in my brain :)

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  7. Jesus, are you sure we aren't the same person? I have the exact same issues/fears related to my own mother. I have recommendations for books that help you put it into perspective if you want them...in one, it talked about how daughters of narcissistic/unloving mothers are more likely to continue the cycle IF they don't receive any sort of therapeutic intervention or lack the self-awareness that you so clearly have. Helped me a lot, even in terms of how I act/deal with my relationship with Rob. You'll be a wonderful mother, love, I'm sure of it.

    Is this comment too serious? I WANT YOUR ASS. Better?

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  8. this is so sweet. i have felt the same way for a while. my husband would love to have a baby but i'm scared i'll be like my parents and make my kid feel like they aren't good enough or wanted. i hope that knowing that helps make it less likely. it is so sweet that you love your little nephew so much.

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  9. what an adorable guy! it's really something, the way he makes you feel Danielle. we've only met the one time but I can tell you are a warm and loving creature. xo xo xo

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