Bravery. I wonder how many ways that could look. Do babies know how to be brave? Are the saints fervently praying for them that they show no fear when their parents can’t help but.. Do. Just. That?!

My youngest son has been having multiple seizures a day and he still manages to smile. My middle man (5th birthday is today), insists on staying up past his bedtime and prefers the couch near me. I sing the prayers over him and in front of our prayer corner as his father rests in the rocker. I turn around upon finishing and the room is sleeping.

Alpha – Omega

Not too long ago, my eldest son who is eleven, pointed out that the icon of Christ is on the ceiling of our church, and it says “I am alpha & omega.” Jameson asked me what I thought it meant. I gave the wrong answer of course because my Greek is not existent yet, but he corrected me by saying, “I am first and last.”

Jameson connected this with the Greek Alphabet we’ve been listening to at home. Alpha is the first Greek letter and Omega is the last Greek letter. After a chaotic day (one of many), I was grateful for what has been learned in his heart. Teaching our children with every part of our essential being is quite the cross to carry. The most beautiful and painful cross to hold.

I asked a very good friend of mine what to do when we mess up as parents? What if we screw up our children? What if I damage them when I make my mistakes? What she told me was that she prays to God to fix what she can’t. She prays to the Theotokos to help her to be a good mom. Another good friend of mine shared with me the Akathist to the Theotokos.

https://www.akathists.com/the-most-holy-theotokos/nurturer-of-children/

What are some of your favorite memories with your kids? Do you have a favorite prayer or hymn?