~the pain~

The hardest part about being a parent is seeing your kids hurt from disappointment. The pain comes in all forms...friends, grades, sports, auditions, poor choices, etc... As a parent, you can feel their pain. And man, it hurts! It is even worse to see them try to cope with the feelings and emotions.

Life is full of disappointments and let downs. How does a parent ease the pain for a child? As much as I hurt for my children and wish I could take away their pain. I can only imagine what the Savior felt and endured.

The roller coaster of life has so many ups and downs, highs and lows. Its all about weathering the storms.

As I tried to console a child tonight; we talked about the positives, how we each have different paths, how this can be used positively and then I saw them. The big crocodile tears slowly rolling down the cheeks. There it was..."the pain."

I wanted to shield my child, protect them and take away all of the gut wrenching pain.

As I watch and help with the healing process, I know my child will come out stronger, smarter and blessed for enduring this trial. Time and tender mercies will help heal the wounds.

As I reflect on the events of this day, I can't help but think of the Savior and all he endured for each of us. The pain he felt on our behalf and his ultimate sacrifice.

The tears will dry, the pain will soften and eventually disappear. Until then; the tissues are close by, prayers are being said and the healing process is beginning.

parenting....

It's not always easy being a parent. It becomes even harder when you are faced with the tough decisions. That is when parenting is no longer fun or easy.

We were faced with a tough decision today. How do you tell an almost 14 year old that she can not attend the fabulous ballet summer intensive that she was accepted into?

Jensen auditioned Sunday in Tucson with ABT (American Ballet Theatre). They are in New York and in the ballet world they are the cream of the crop.

We let her audition for experience, to get in front of these people and because she wanted to. We never imagined that she would be accepted to one of their summer programs. Well....today the email came telling us that Jensen was accepted to one of their programs. They placed her in Detroit, Michigan June 21st - July 17th. Holy Cow!!

We are so immensly proud of her and recognize that she has an incredible talent. She works so hard and it is so rewarding to see her get approval from others in the dance world. Way to go Jensen!!

But, on the other hand; do you let a 14 year old leave for a month, spend thousands of dollars for her to attend and split up the family over the summer? Or do you let her go and check out the other side of the dance world, be on her own for a month (she would be staying in a surpervised dorm) and help her find a way to try and earn some money to go towards the experience?

Decisions...there is not always a right or wrong decision. This is where parenting gets difficult. I know if I was in her shoes I would LOVE the chance to go. If she goes, does that mean every summer for the next 4 years she is going to want to go?

At this point I am not sure where this decision is going to go. I said all along she wouldn't be going and then here we are. I am hoping Scott and I will be inspired as to what we should do. I know I have said many a prayer today.

And the kids thought their life was rough!!