Its worth it!

United States
September 4, 2008 11:51pm CST
You want to know what makes it all worthwhile? Last night just as my 12 year old son and I were going to sleep he said to me, "Mom, I just want you to know that I appreciate that you go to work everyday, pay the bills, buy the food and take care of me". That single sentence makes every minute that I've had to struggle worth it. Every single minute.......What makes your struggle easier?
12 people like this
39 responses
@lilybug (21107)
• United States
5 Sep 08
Aww.....What a sweet kid! My son is 8 years old and he sometimes will tell me that he appreciates things that I do for him. It is a good felling to know that they care what you do for them.
2 people like this
• United States
5 Sep 08
Its a real good feeling Lily. Sometimes you feel like you are going through life unnoticed, but apparently our children see and feel more than we give them credit for.
1 person likes this
@koalatbs (2229)
• United States
8 Sep 08
Wow Katherine! You are so blessed that your son tells you that he appreciates everything you do. I have a 13 year old son and he has trouble verbalizing his feelings so there are many times I feel like he does not appreciate what I do for him. You are so lucky. I hope one day my son will be able to express himself and say something so thoughtful to me.
• United States
9 Sep 08
Just because your son doesn't verbalize his gratitude, doesn't mean he doesn't feel it. Perhaps he just doesn't think to say anything. Perhaps he feels that you already know.
@sharra1 (6340)
• Australia
6 Sep 08
That was so sweet. I am so glad your son appreciates you and it is nice to know that some children do. I have heard people talk about some children not appreciating the effort their parents make that it is nice to know there are some that do. What makes my struggle easier? Having my partner's love, knowing that he cares about me. Just the little things he does to try and cheer me up when things get me down. The trouble is that the things that get me down are the things I cannot change, the things I have no control over and that is really hard.
1 person likes this
• United States
6 Sep 08
I just sincerely hope that my son will continue to feel the way that he does even when he comes older and goes through those "teenage" years. When you have no control over something, the best thing to do is let things be what they will.
@Rosekitty (19368)
• San Marcos, Texas
6 Sep 08
Ohh Kat..now this is what every Mother loves to hear..and the first time i heard that from my children was after they realised I wasn't going to leave them like Dad did.. You have such a mature Son and I know you are one Proud Mama! Huggs and Love
1 person likes this
• United States
6 Sep 08
I am very proud of my son and I feel really lucky to have him. Thanks Rose.
• United States
8 Sep 08
i have been a single parent for many many years. We have gone through many struggles. Once when we were talking, my two children and i, I apologized for mistakes that i feel i made as a parent. My children both hugged me and told me that that is what makes us who we are today. And the closeness we share is one of the greatest things to them. Every time i feel down about not being able to do enough i remember thatday and that moment. It gives me a great sense of success.
• United States
8 Sep 08
Its not easy being a single parent. It comes with alot of responsibility, but late at night when I see my son sleeping, I pride myself on the fact that I got him through another day.
@animeniak (425)
• United States
6 Sep 08
hey, you have a great 12 year old kid there!! I did appreciate my parents for taking care of me too, but I just couldn't say it in words to them. :(
• United States
6 Sep 08
If your parents are still alive, its never to late to tell them all those things you meant to say.
@polachicago (18716)
• United States
5 Sep 08
You boy is very smart for 12 years old. Many boys at his age don't pay attention. He loves you and this is the best gift in life.
1 person likes this
• United States
8 Sep 08
Yes, my children are the greatest gifts I could have ever received.
@shana123 (2095)
• India
5 Sep 08
I have to just cuddle your kid for this he is of my brother's age i haven't heard my brother nor me telling my parents and just appreciating them with such sweet words.You have to really proud of your child and it would be so good if you have added his picture here.Anyways your struggle and hard work has is worth the words.. I strive hard to earn money here to buy something to my loved ones whenever i hear their caring i just want to do something to do them that really makes my spirit to go on and on and i just dont mind sitting here for hours and working now im really enjoying this kinda job...
1 person likes this
• United States
9 Sep 08
I don't make enough money on this site to do much, but what I do earn I use to buy my son a new toy from time to time. I work full time so I don't make what I used to when I wasn't working, but anything I make in a few months I use to show him I appreciate him too.
@webeishere (36313)
• United States
5 Sep 08
I am my elderly fathers caregiver and when he smiles I feel great knwoing that I am doing a good job. that helps me with all the struggling I go through taking care of him. just a simple smile makes me know I am doing my job well. Even him saying that the dinner, lunch etc was good is enough to make me feel better about all the struggles I've been through taking care of him. HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~
1 person likes this
• United States
5 Sep 08
I admire anyone who is able to take care of an elderly parent. Its got to be a daunting task and I think all the more of you for it.
@jillmalitz (5131)
• United States
5 Sep 08
What a great kid! Now what does he want? LOL! Give him a few more years, he may think differently. Maybe you will be lucky.
1 person likes this
• United States
9 Sep 08
I pray everyday that he will continue to be the loving child he is today. I do think I will be lucky in that regard though.
@Bluepatch (2476)
• Trinidad And Tobago
5 Sep 08
This precise and exact thing makes all my struggles easier. Its called appreciation and I get none of it here at work or at home. Actually I get it from God but thats another side to my life thats fascinating and not presently known. Suffice it to say I'm glad for you and your son and let it be known I've gotten that less times in my entire life than the fingers on one hand. Love you too.
• United States
9 Sep 08
I sincerely hope that at some point you will receive the gratitude you seek. Maybe its there, just not vocalized.
@dawnald (85129)
• Shingle Springs, California
5 Sep 08
Humor - my kids and friends making me laugh and see the light side of things!
1 person likes this
• United States
8 Sep 08
Thats true, because my son never fails to amaze me with his quick wit.
• Philippines
5 Sep 08
That was very sweet of your son. Reading your post just moved me to tears and made me go to my two year old and one year old sons, kiss them and cuddle for a while. What a blessing children are! i hope to hear those same lines from my sons soon as they grow up. Motherhood is one difficult but rewarding calling. What makes things easier and lovelier for me is when my baby boys shower me with kisses, those wet smooches. And the best part of the day is the cuddling during bedtime. It eases the stress and makes me feel like my soul's been to a spa.
• United States
9 Sep 08
You sound like a very good parent and I'm glad that this discussion prompted you to hug your children. I'm sure they love you very much and will soon be telling you how much they do and how appreciated you are.
• Canada
5 Sep 08
The smile on my 9 months old face when he sees me....I am on maternity leave and although I love my son, I miss working outside the home...I have been a secretary, a banker and presently a nurse and so it can be hard not being able to go to work right now but just holding him and seeing him smile makes me understand that none of the patients I would work could possible appreciate or need me as much as this individual.
• United States
6 Sep 08
Enjoy the time you have with your baby, they don't stay little for long. You'll regret any time you miss with him. Mark my words.
@Shaun72 (15959)
• Palatka, Florida
5 Sep 08
That is very sweet what he said to you. The other day when I was babysitting my 3 year old nephew he get into my lap while I was on the computer. He doesn't say to much at all yet. Anyhow he kept saying chew chew. I wasn't sure what he meant at first so I asked him if he wanted to see pictures of animals he said yeah. So I went and looked up zoo animals online but he kept saying chew chew.Then I went and showed him race cars he was saying he liked them when I would show him the pictures. He kept on saying the same words chew chew. Then I got to thinking and asked him do you want to see trains. He smiled really big and told me yeah. So when I went to find pictures of trains he was so happy and every picture I showed him he would say to me I like that. So I asked him did he was to see moving trains. He smiled so I looked up video train clips. He was so happy. There was a video of people getting on a train on one of them and he was saying bye bye to the people in the video and when the train took off he smiled really big and kept saying bye bye. i thought that was so cute and it made my day that's for sure. I know what to buy him for Christmas toy trains
1 person likes this
• United States
5 Sep 08
That is such a cute story and probably a memory you will keep with you forever.
@Aussies2007 (5336)
• Australia
5 Sep 08
What's make your struggle easier... is to know that you are making progress in bettering your life. Even if it is a long slow progress... it is better than no progress at all. There is nothing worse than being stuck in a rot... and not being able to get out of it... with no light at the end of the tunnel. I was stuck in such a rot for a while... and managed to get out of it this year. Actually... there is worse. Many people today are putting themselve into debts in order to achieve some artificial progress... so as to make themselve feel good. But it will eventually catch up with them.
1 person likes this
• United States
5 Sep 08
I think we've all been there Aussie. Sometimes it gets comfortable being uncomfortable, but yes, I am bettering my life and that of my son's. The proof is in what he said to me.
@daryljane (3406)
• Philippines
5 Sep 08
wow! thats so nice to hear when your kid appreciates your every effort. Im a single mom and my son is living with my parents. I have a rotating shifts so my mom wanted him to stay with her so she can take care of him while im away since im living in the city. i only get to see him during my rest days but sometimes its not even on a weekly basis especially when im busy at work. What makes my struggle easier is when i call him everyday and he always tells me "i love you mom! " It always perks me everyday and wanted to do more.
• United States
5 Sep 08
When your son tells you he loves you, hes telling you that he knows you are doing your best by him. And I'm sure that makes it all worthwhile for you.
• Regina, Saskatchewan
5 Sep 08
"What makes your struggle easier?" For me, it's the little things that our days are filled with if we take the time to notice. The unexpected moments of pure love that come from our children, our friends, seen in nature itself. This morning for example I awoke really depressed and my energy levels were very low because of the back pain I've been in. It was hard to get out of bed. But as I was making coffee and looking out my kitchen window at the grey, rainy day, my eye was caught by two hummingbirds trying to feed from the same hollyhock flower at the same time. I thought for a moment that feathers would soon start to fly, when suddenly one just backed off, beating it's wings in mid-air while the other one fed. Then the feeder backed off and let the waiting bird have it's turn before they flew off together. What amazed me most, was that these two birds were only juveniles and they had a long flight and winter ahead of them, so their need to feed for survival was strong, and yet they displayed more patience and generosity then I've seen in a lot of people. It made my day.
1 person likes this
• Regina, Saskatchewan
17 Sep 08
Thanks for BR K. Means a lot. Hugs sweets - and do watch out for the little things ok? Smiles can come to you at such unexpected moments.
• Philippines
5 Sep 08
You have a very nice kid. At his age he was able to appreciate you and life. I know someday he will make you prouder just assist and support him at every decision he makes. All your efforts are well paid I think you will raise him well.
• United States
5 Sep 08
Thanks. I think hes a wonderful child. The thing is all we can do is give them the tools to work with, what they do with the tools is up to them. So far, he's made some really good decisions.
@heaven11 (1159)
• United States
5 Sep 08
you know i love it when i hear things like this it makes me hope my kids are the same my son is 3 and he does say things now such as mommie your the greates mommie i love when you do this the thing is it hasnt been that long since i was a teenager and i rember at about 14 my appercation for my mom kinda dissappered now i regret it i pray that my kids will never be ungrateful and never afraid to show someone they apperciate what is being done
• United States
5 Sep 08
I probably should have shown my parents more appreciation than what I showed them. I'm lucky that my son is turning out to be a better person than I am.
1 person likes this