Comments on: If I could do it over…

By: cindyscoffeehouse

cindyscoffeehouse — Thu, 28 May 2009 04:08:46 +0000

Cindy, what an adorable picture! I love it. And the quote from Anne Lamott hit home especially for me today as I was obsessing today! You stated very well the case for lightening up a bit. I especially liked Brandon’s comments. Sometimes, it’s good for Moms to hear that we haven’t messed up our kids despite our mistakes.

By: Pam

Pam — Thu, 21 May 2009 02:21:27 +0000

My favorite line: “We need to lighten up on ourselves.” So true.
I’m thoroughly enjoying Writing Home and can’t wait to pass it on. Thanks so much for your gift of wisdom.

By: Cindy La Ferle

Cindy La Ferle — Wed, 20 May 2009 01:57:51 +0000

Brandon, what a wonderful tribute to your mom — she’s gotta be proud! Making things feel safe and remaining calm is truly a gift — as is turning out confident kids.

I’m proud, too, that my son grew to be independent and yet still loves to come back “home” to be with Mom and Dad when he can.
One of the many qualities I admire about my son is that he’s got a great sense of humor and can see the wacky side of things. That IS something he got from his mom, if nothing else, for sure

By: Brandon

Brandon — Wed, 20 May 2009 00:40:53 +0000

Another beautiful column!

In the midst of an economic crisis, I now (as a 33 year old imperfect son) marvel at how my Mom while imperfect, seemed to supernaturally keep an aura of security and calmness over our home. While the recession in the early 80s was raging and worries about jobs could not have been far from the surface, Mom kept my little sister and I blissfully unaware of the precarious financial situation we surely were in. How scary it must have been for her, a young mother. And what a gift it was — turning her kids into confident beings, by making us feel safe.

By: Cindy La Ferle

Cindy La Ferle — Tue, 19 May 2009 15:17:24 +0000

Thanks for the comments …
And Patricia, I bow to your expertise! Six kids — whew! Happy belated Mother’s Day to you.

By: Patricia

Patricia — Tue, 19 May 2009 15:15:23 +0000

I could relate totally. Six children have a way of helping me realize I am far from a perfect mom.

By: cindy harrison

cindy harrison — Mon, 18 May 2009 14:17:16 +0000

You two make a pretty picture. And I had a similar reaction to reading Operating Instructions long after the time I really needed it…

By: Jenjen (gottalovemom)

Jenjen (gottalovemom) — Sun, 17 May 2009 21:36:14 +0000

You’re absolutely right. There definitely is no one parenting style that fits every family. And even in dealing with 4 different children, each approach is different because the four kids have their own personalities.
It seems like you did a perfect job in dealing with your son – congratulations!

By: Wendy

Wendy — Sun, 17 May 2009 18:01:03 +0000

I love Anne Lamott’s book! This was wonderful to read today!
~ Wendy