As parents, we all make mistakes. We learn parenting skills as we go. Often we question ourselves, doubt ourselves and maybe even feel a little embarrassed or ashamed about the things we do as parents. You are not alone, all parents feel this way and I find it comforting to know that it is not just me.
I found myself in a terrible situation about a month ago and wanted to share my story.
For the last day of school my sons preschool put together a fun fair in the back parking lot. We arrived at the fair and immediately walked over to where one of his teachers was,to give her a gift. I handed her the gift and went to take my sons hand to lead him to the games. He was not there. In a matter of 5 seconds he was gone and all I could see in front of me was a sea full of children, parents and teachers. I figured he must be mixed in with the crowd so I began to look for him. I was so embarrassed that I had "misplaced my child" that I did not want to tell anyone. After about 2 mins. I went over to a couple of the other Moms that I know and quietly whispered "Can you help me find Jacob, I can't seem to find him"
A few more minutes went by and now I started to panic. Once the panic set in I began to think of the most awful things that could have happened to him. At this point, all the other parents and teachers could see by the look on my face that something was wrong. Once everyone knew there was a child missing, EVERY SINGLE PERSON (including the kids) was searching for my child. They all kept saying "Don't worry, he's here somewhere, we'll find him"
In and out the school, back and forth between the road out front and the parking lot and still no Jacob. Then my husband showed up and I had to tell him "We can't find Jacob" I never thought I would here myself say that, ever.
My Husband scanned the outer part of the lot and on his way back towards the school he noticed my Son standing at a locked door at the side of the school. He was knocking on the door wondering why it was locked!
So he brought him to me...immediately tears were streaming down my face. "Oh, Mommy, it's ok, don't be sad" he said as he hugged me. He had no idea what had happened over the last 10 mins. Good thing for him, at least he was not panicking looking for me.
Once I calmed down I felt so embarrassed, like I was the worst Mother in the entire world. Each and every Mom there came over and told me their story of when they lost their child. Suddenly I did not feel so humiliated. I was so grateful that it happened at his school where I had that many people to help me find him and help keep me calm. That day I came home and wrote a letter to the school for the parents and teachers.
Here it is......
" Jacob was the 3 yr old boy who temporarily went missing today at the fair.
I feel compelled to say thank you to you, Goldie and all the Moms, Dads, teachers etc... who pulled through for me today. I have no way to contacting any of these people so maybe you can forward on my gratitude & appreciation.
In my entire life I have never experienced anything as terrifying as when I could not find him. Those 5-10mins. felt like hours. At first I just started to look for him on my own but after a few minutes I realized that I had scanned everywhere and he was NOWHERE.
Immediately every single person there was looking for him. ALL of them are like heroes to me. This is a moment long forgotten about by Jacob but a memory that is burned into my brain forever. A part of that memory will be of all the people who looked at me and said "Don't worry, he's at Torah Tots, we will find him" and then ran off to continue their search as if it were their own child missing.
And when we finally did find him, I will never forget all those Moms who came up to me and told me their terrifying stories of when they lost their child. After calming down and I had a moment to think, all I could think about was "What kind of a Mother looses their child? I am a horrible Mom"
Hearing all of those beautiful and wonderful Moms Mother's tell me that this has happened to them made me feel much less guilty. I realized today what a wonderful community I am a part of, what a wonderful school Torah Tots is and what a wonderful group of Mom's, Dads and teachers my child is surrounded by. I will forever be grateful to all of the people who were a huge support for me today. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart. Your support and quick reaction to the situation made the world of difference. Thank You...Thank You, I will always remember."
Great Blogs to check out
http://mumsthewurd.com/
Are you looking for some great finds? I love these 2 blogs that I stumble upon. They do reviews, promotions and contest giveaways. Both these ladies have fantastic taste and clearly have a nack for finding unusual, funky and fun finds!
I must comment that as a "Mompreneur" it is so nice to have the support and encouragement of other Momprneurs out there. Much of my online popularity is credited to all the wonderful women out there who have written rave reviews about Alli's Originals designs. I am lucky to be a part of this amazing networking community of talented women!http://www.funkyfinds.blogspot.com/
Are you looking for some great finds? I love these 2 blogs that I stumble upon. They do reviews, promotions and contest giveaways. Both these ladies have fantastic taste and clearly have a nack for finding unusual, funky and fun finds!
I must comment that as a "Mompreneur" it is so nice to have the support and encouragement of other Momprneurs out there. Much of my online popularity is credited to all the wonderful women out there who have written rave reviews about Alli's Originals designs. I am lucky to be a part of this amazing networking community of talented women!http://www.funkyfinds.blogspot.com/
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