Warm winter kids

When Magnus was just born, snow was covering everything around us. We were huddled up in our apartment, cozy, warm and snug. I laid in my bed, holding this tiny baby, and I was so grateful that he was here, warm and safe. We had food, shelter from the cold, and everthing this baby needed was within reach.

I had the same feeling when Samuel was born. The responsibility of keeping this little person alive and well was overwhelming, but at least I was somewhere where I could keep him safe, where I didn't have to worry about food, about mother nature and the raging elements or wars and violent conflict.

Half the prayers offered during the first months of my kids' lives were prayers of gratitude.

In the months that have passed since Magnus was born, I've started taking things for granted again. Slowly the magic of a warm house, running water and food have faded.

But today I felt it again.

The kids and I went shopping for a few things, among that the last winter necessities for them. Samuel got some warm boots, gloves, socks, and a pant-jacket-outfit for the cold, cold days. Magnus got a new hat and warm socks.

And as I was standing in the store, and while I was unpacking and showing the new things to Mike, I felt that gratitude again. That intense feeling of gratitude that my kids will be happy and warm this winter, that they have everything they need.

I just feel so fortunate. I wonder if all moms feel like this? And I can only imagine the heartache of mothers living in less fortunate circumstances, now or in the earlier generations. Worrying about whether you can provide your children with the basic necessities must be painful beyond my comprehension.

I hope I will never be in that position, I hope I can help those in that position and I hope that I will never take my blessings for granted.

For now, I am one grateful mother of two kids who will be very warm this winter.


Do you other mothers think the same? Or did I get a double dose of the worrying/tear/gratefulness hormone?