Why I'm Thankful for Pregnant Friends

Ok, so it's a funny topic, sure. But I am very thankful for all these pregnant ladies that I know and love. And no, I don't just say that because I'm excited to hold all them, although that is certainly a big part of it. :)

I have now taught for nearly four years. I absolutely love it. I am fortunate in that I've always known my calling. I knew very early on that I wanted to be a teacher. Thinking back on the conversations I would have with my parents about the idea of teaching, I can remember one topic in particular that someone would always mention: education versus parenting. My parents would typically mention that teachers and administrators were there to educate, not parent. I agreed then much as I do now.

Except I've now experienced the other side of this issue. I have had students come to me with a bruise on the cheek caused by a drunk mom, an empty stomach because dad spent all his money on drugs rather than food, or even just a lack of self-esteem because mom or dad was too busy working to care. I would like to say that I have been objective about these problems, that I reported them to the counselor and left it at that. But here's the crazy thing about teaching: those kids become my kids. Ultimately I cannot accept any credit for who they become, but I do play a part in shaping them. I can honestly say I love those kids. I love the innocence they still have when viewing the world. I love the excitement they experience at discovering something new. I love watching them accept others and love others without reservation. I love them, it's that simple.

So objectivity becomes hard. I cannot stand sitting on the sidelines as they are impacted by parents that are abusive, careless, selfish, or just plain indifferent.

One of my favorite movies ever is Parenthood. While I am not a parent yet, I have a feeling that it is just about as close to the truth as you can get. One of the best scenes is when Keanu Reeves's character, a less than intelligent person, makes an incredibly intelligent remark. He says, "You know, you need a license to buy a dog, to drive a car- hell, you even need a license to catch a fish. But they'll let any butt-reaming asshole be a father." How true.

So the point to all this (yes, I do have one) is this: I am thankful for pregnant friends because I know, whole-heartedly, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that they will make amazing parents. I am so full of joy knowing that these little ones, these children of God, will be loved, provided for, and nurtured.

Thank you to those who are parents and who love your children to the point of daily sacrifice. You are admired and loved as well.

Sarah