how lucky we are

This week I went to a band concert, high school play, five appointments for my children and a 4-H show. I am a stay at home parent and my partner makes enough money for me to be there for our kids in every way imaginable. My kids really need a parent after everything they have been through.

I look around in the audience and it hurts to see how few parents can make it to their kids performances. I feel so bad for these kids to be working so hard and not being able to share it with their families. Some of the kids even tell their parents that they do not need to come to try and make their parents feel better for having to prioritize other needs. These kids are so mature and they really try to lessen their parents’ loads. It is in a way, very touching.

I really wish we lived in a society that prioritized children, families, and emotional well being over profit. People should be able to make a living wage at one job. They should be able to adjust their hours to be able to go to these events with their family without penalty.

Schools should be better funded, so we do not have to raise funds for the basics necessities to run a music program, a theater program or have an after school program for kids while their parents work. Schools are the first line resource for not only education, but socialization, mental health concerns, learning disabilities, homelessness, hunger, poverty, and opportunities for the future for these kids.

I wish everyone could be free to see their child succeed. I am so lucky to see my children grow and exceed their own expectations. They are also lucky to have me there. I will be the one that remembers these things long after they have moved on from childhood friends. I take the pictures. I watch the growth. I remember how far they have come.