I am a student of my children and there is much to learn. When I offer them words of hope, but what they need is my quiet presence, I learn to wait before speaking. They are not projects to fix or extensions of me, but separate souls to walk alongside. Each has their own struggles, strengths and ways they feel loved. They might all have the same last name, but could not be more different. Only when I stop talking do I notice, listen and learn to respond by the power of the Holy Spirit in me. This is one of the many, many things I wished I would have known as a new mom. Proof that twenty one years of being called “mom” does not make one perfect, but in great need to be parented myself by our Heavenly Father.