Photobucket

Monday, September 20, 2010

Thoughts From Madeline

Just thought I would share a very precious conversation that my 3 yr old had at school today. When I went to pick her up, her teacher, Ms. Suzy, walked her out as usual to put her in the car. I got the usual update of what all they did in class and that Madeline had a wonderful day. Then Ms. Suzy shared something with me that had me in tears...she said that during the morning devotional, they were talking about being happy and sharing things that God gives us that makes us happy. Ms. Suzy said that Madeline stopped for a moment then said, "yea, but God made me sad when He put my daddy on an airplane and took him away from me" OUCH! Tears...
Being an adult in a deployment is hard even when you "understand" the reason your spouse has to leave...I don't know what it is like to be a 3 yr old watching your daddy leave. I can only imagine how much harder it must be when you don't understand. My baby girl is sad...she misses her daddy...and this was her way of expressing that. I talked with Madeline for a little while tonight. I want her to know that it is ok to be sad because mommy is sad too. I want her to understand that during all this we will have days when we are really happy and days when we are really sad. BUT most of all I want her to know that even though her daddy is gone, she has a heavenly Father that loves her more than Jason and I could ever love her and that HE is always with her, even when she is sad. I want her to know that it is in these times that God is growing us and bringing us closer to Him...yea, a little too deep for a 3 yr old, but I want her to know that...and pray that one day she will get it. That one day she will look back at this sad time and thank God for His faithfulness to us during these times.

If only parenting (especially during a deployment) came with a handbook of instructions...So, readers, how would you have handle this situation???

I will leave you with a picture of my little fashionista on a recent shopping trip...She has a purse filled with money and lipstick (no I am not kidding, it really was)




Photobucket

8 comments:

Jill said...

Oh Jess....First of all, she's a doll! Second, I would have done exactly the same thing you did--shared with her that her Heavenly Father is ALWAYS with her and that HE is protecting her daddy on earth. Teach her a verse to help her know that HE is always there like Joshua 1:9. Love you friend. Praying for you and Jason and those sweet little kiddos!

Nancy said...

You teach her better than I think I could teach mine about deployment & I love the way you let her just express her feelings, give her God's truth, then let her be a little 3 year old & pray one day she gets it. You are so wise, my friend!! LOVE you!

Unknown said...

Bless her little heart! I think you handled it great!

Venita said...

Jessica, You are so smart to use this opportunity to talk to Madeline about her heavenly Father. This idea came to my mind after reading your blog. It might be something to help the kids while Jason is gone. You could have a "daddy time" each night and video the kids with each one reading or reciting a Bible verse or story to Jason. They could tell him about their day, or just say whatever they wanted. Maybe this would help them and also help Jason feel like he isn't missing so much. You are so smart and creative you are probably already doing something like this. I just thought I'd pass this along. I'll be thinking of you and the children, you are all such sweet people.

Venita said...

Jessica, You are so smart to use this opportunity to talk to Madeline about her heavenly Father. This idea came to my mind after reading your blog. It might be something to help the kids while Jason is gone. You could have a "daddy time" each night and video the kids with each one reading or reciting a Bible verse or story to Jason. They could tell him about their day, or just say whatever they wanted. Maybe this would help them and also help Jason feel like he isn't missing so much. You are so smart and creative you are probably already doing something like this. I just thought I'd pass this along. I'll be thinking of you and the children, you are all such sweet people.

Unknown said...

aww, what a sweet little girl. I wish I knew what to tell you, but I haven't the slightest clue. Let God give you the words and follow His direction!

The Allen Family said...

bless her... i can't even imagine how hard that was. it's hard enough for you to handle your emotions (i would imagine) and then to know your little ones are struggling too... ,but it sounds like you handled the situation beautifully :) praying for all of you :)

Kathryn said...

"Sounds like everything is going so good! It's nice to have that schedule huh??? =)"

Yes, it's definitely better! And I am so glad he has a schedule it's great!!

I am so sorry about having to deal with all this with your kids. I cannot even imagine how hard it is, and I know I will have to go through it as well when Adam is older. I will be praying for you guys. That God gives you wisdom to know what to say, when these things come up, and that God gives your children peace no matter what!