Making a Memory

I have never been a traditional parent. I do the cha-cha in the kitchen while cooking dinner. I listen to the Beatles and wear peace sign shirts. I break into song in the cereal isle at the grocery store. And when my children were little I never sang traditional lullabies. My children grew up on lullabies such as In My Life by The Beatles and Can't Help Falling in Love With You by Elvis Presley. A couple of weeks ago my son shared a memory he had of a time when he couldn't have been more than 2 years old. He said he remembered sitting by a window in my lap while I sang As Long As I Can See the Light by Creedance Clearwater Revival. I couldn't believe he remembered something like that and I was touched that he had such sweet memories 8 years later. Then I began to wonder.....

If he could remember that, does he remember the 1,001 times I've lost my cool because he or his sisters have left cups all over the house or not obeyed? Does he remember the times I've forgotten to put a drink in his lunch or the 6 months he lived off chicken nuggets and fries after the twins were born? Yes, he probably remembers some of that too. But before I start beating myself up I am going to remind myself of 3 things.

1. Nobody is a perfect parent and the best I can do today is my best.
2. When my best falls short, and sometimes it will, I will remember that my children are still OK. They are still happy, sweet, and undamaged.
3. When they are 30 years old, chances are they will still remember sitting  in my lap with me singing. Maybe they will sing to their own children. They will probably not remember the times I lost it or fell short.......or at least they will understand.

The best that I can do today is to try, try, and try again. Maybe today I'll make all good memories. Maybe today I'll put my big kids in my lap and rock them. What memory are you going to make today?