Mommy - My Special Friend

One night I went in to check on Laryssa and found her under the covers with a flashlight and what I assumed was a book. I was frustrated because I had strict rules that when they went to bed, they were to go to sleep. I came down very hard on her - accusing her of reading and asking her to show me the book. Laryssa begged me not to make her show me what she had beneath her bed -

"Please Mommy, please don't make me show you."

"If you don't show me, Laryssa, I will assume it is something that you are not suppose to have and you will be punished."

And through her tears, she said, "Okay, Mommy - just don't make me show you."

So in all my motherhood glory - I scolded her for disobeying and promised a punishment. I even let her have it for what a mess her room was - there was every color of thread all over her floor. Walking out of her room, leaving her in tears, I remember feeling like I was a really good Mom for being consistent with the rules and making her obey.

Several weeks later, I received this precious piece of clothe in a metal frame that was embroider in multiple colors with the words Mommy, My Special Friend. That is what she had been working on - a gift for me to let me know how special I was to her.

Today, this framed masterpiece is in my kitchen - where I can see it and remember the precious love of a daughter who loved me even when I disciplined her for something she had not done. The love a child has for their Mom is filled with grace. This paycheck will always remind me of that.