Our Corynn got the snot kicked out of her the other day, or so it appears. Poor girl looks like she got into it pretty good with someone-and she was the loser.
I am actually SCARED to take her out in public, for fear of what people might think!
Last week, she was riding 'elephant' (or pony) style along with Andrew on Papa's back when she slipped off and crashed her uppercheck area into wood. It bruised up instantly and has since turned into a black eye. I thought that was bad enough- especially since Grandma and Grandpa are coming for a visit this weekend! But...that was just the beginning.
Then yesterday, we were enjoying the WARM weather outside when she dove nose first into the blacktop driveway. She cried and cried, showing me her skinned up hands and knee but I knew from looking at her, that the damage was more on her face than anywhere. Poor girl.
She took one look at herself in the mirror and said, "I have to cover up my face so no one can see me!" I was shocked when those words came out of her mouth! A four year old? Ashamed of a bruised face? Concerned at what people would think? I couldn't believe it.
I was taken aback at first, shocked that someone so young would think of such a thing... I talked to her about it, assured her that she was just as beautiful now as ever and told her that those marks only showed that she has been having lots of fun the past few days, yada yada yada. But still. It really made me think about how I act and react each day. Everything I say or do is shaping her way of thinking. Wow. Just another knock in the gut, for me.
After the comment she made, I thought it was DOUBLY important to take a few pictures of her. So she wouldn't be ashamed. So that she would know I think she is lovely no matter what. So that she knows that even with bruises I still want to take pictures of my beautiful girl. So I did.
Once again, I am reminded about how often I fall short as a parent and how HARD a road it can be to take, how much WISDOM is needed in the journey, and how each small step prepares the way for another.
May the Lord give me strength and wisdom to do this thing RIGHT.
She still looks beautiful! She just has a few character marks. Munchkin still has a little scar over her eye from when she was much younger; we always call it a beauty mark. ;)
ReplyDeletePlease assure her that she is as beautiful as ever!
ReplyDeleteAnd don't know yourself so much please Mommy. All of life is a learning experience. You 'heard her.' And you talked to her. That is what counts. That makes you a wonderful mother, already.
If only all little girls has such a mother, who pays so much attention.
Yes, maybe that's it. The Magic Touch. To always pay attention to children. And really hear them.
But of course, like all "always," no can be perfect at this either. But ... you seem to have a very good handle on it, already.
Hugs,
Mari-Nanci
P.S. Who so hates to hear such a loving and wonderful mom as you, say you fall short! I do hate it, you know. :-))))) I can't help it. I want to take you in my arms and hug you, until you agree with me. That you ARE a wonderful and loving and caring mother already!!! :-)))) And that you will try to not say any more 'tear-yourself-down' words. :-)))) Yes we can always see areas, where we hope to improve. But... OK. I'll stop now!!!!!
Poor baby! Don't blame yourself, Rebecca. I think some of this is ingrained in little girls. My Emily did the same thing when she was about 5 years old. She was brushing her teeth in the mirror and started crying and said that her ears made her look like an elf!!! No one here has ever said that to her and she has never heard me criticize my ears, yet somehow she found them lacking.
ReplyDeleteYou gave her the right response and don't beat yourself up over it.
Terri
Aww, the poor girl - it DOES Look like it hurts -
ReplyDeletebut I believe you did the right thing - show her that she's beautiful inside & out, bruises & all!
You are a wonderful mother...you see a need or a hurt in your child and you respond. Your litle one was hurting, not only on the outside, but the inside. Your kisses might help her outside owies, but your words help her inside.
ReplyDeleteAbbie fell and landed on her nose right before kindergarten was over a few years ago. Her entire nose was a BIG scab. Poor baby, she was so embarassed and scared to go to school. The worst thing about it (for me) was that they were going on a field trip to the zoo and couldn't wear sunscreen on her little nose, I made her wear a hat with a big brim.
Anyway...you are a good mom. Tell her I think she is beautiful with or without the scratches! Her TRUE buety can't be marked by the pavement, it is given from God. She is a beauty, just like her mom!
Blessings-Andie
Tell Corynn, Auntie Beth thinks she is so beautiful, inside and out-ALL THE TIME :)
ReplyDelete