Tuesday, January 11, 2011

The Best Gift Ever

I found this piece of paper on my desk yesterday, made by my 9 year daughter.

emmatomom

Clearly she is not a teenager yet because she still thinks I’m cool.

I have often wanted to ask my kids, “How could I be a better mom?” But, then I am too scared. Will they have a laundry list that highlights all of my inadequacies? Will I find out what I have feared – that I have failed them?

The reason her gift means the world to me is not because it pictures things I love. Not because she hit the nail on the head regarding Boston (love how she calls it “the Boston.”) Not because she said nice things about me.

Because it shows her heart. Kind, compassionate, outwardly focused, creative, intuitive, selfless, beautiful.

I am so not the perfect mother. I can cringe thinking of things I have habitually done wrong or have not done at all. However, I do believe I have taught and modeled one thing really well.

When you love someone, you support them in their passions. You care about what they do, who they spend time with, how they feel. You are around. A lot. Just in case they need you. You give them space to be who they are, yet check back frequently to see how their journey is going. You can be counted on.You do what you say you are going to do.

I have never told my daughter I was nervous about Boston.  And, no, she does not read the blog. But, she obviously knows about my injury (crutches are a decent giveaway). How she knew yesterday, the day of my first run in three months, I would so need to read her words, I’ll never know. But, she knew.

Loving someone sometimes means showing up in the most unexpected of ways.

You bet I’ll be carrying this gift with me on April 18.

SUAR

Brought to you by ShutUpandRun at 9:13 PM
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80 comments:

  1. EricaJanuary 11, 2011 at 9:16 PM

    awesome!!! I love the connection Moms and daughters have!!! there is never a better gift then one like that!

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  2. AnonymousJanuary 11, 2011 at 9:19 PM

    This made my day! Really! What a cool thing for you to keep forever.

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  3. StephanieJanuary 11, 2011 at 9:27 PM

    Seriously. Kids rock. LOVE this!

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  4. HeatherJanuary 11, 2011 at 9:32 PM

    Oh. That is so sweet and you wrote about it so well.

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  5. RunningFromCancerJanuary 11, 2011 at 9:35 PM

    What a wonderful gift!

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  6. KatyJanuary 11, 2011 at 9:40 PM

    That is amazing. Children are amazing. I can't wait to have some to call my own.

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  7. GooseJanuary 11, 2011 at 9:46 PM

    You deserve all the loving you get. She is a wonderful slice of heaven, because of you. Remember that.

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  8. jsJanuary 11, 2011 at 9:49 PM

    Hey SUAR,

    I never comment but I will for this one. You have raised a wonderful daughter. Congrats! You can do anything you set your mind to.

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  9. Amanda@runninghoodJanuary 11, 2011 at 9:52 PM

    okay, crying now. darn hormones! So sweet. Such a gift. And I noticed the Bachelor picture...I totally thought it was Monday tonight and went to tune in for the first time in forever and nothing...darn it is Tuesday! thanks for sharing this with us!

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  10. judi ~January 11, 2011 at 9:54 PM

    From one mom to another, I'd say it sure seems like you're both blessed with each other. I think the best give we can give our kids (besides our wit, good looks, and the ability to know real jewelry from fake) is to teach them to love.

    Seriously, your post made me tear up... in a good way.

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  11. StacieJanuary 11, 2011 at 9:54 PM

    So sweet. I love getting special things from my girls. What a great gift for you.

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  12. AnonymousJanuary 11, 2011 at 9:57 PM

    Darn it, you made me cry. That is pure awesomeness!!! (Even Dean likes you! Which, btw, I just made reference too in my blog post.)

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  13. coach dionJanuary 11, 2011 at 10:09 PM

    I love the way she mentions your age, I'm 9 almost 10...

    is that her playing soccer?

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  14. See.Kate.RunJanuary 11, 2011 at 10:14 PM

    Children are so perceptive. So much more than we realize.. What a wonderful being you have raised. So sweet!!

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  15. MichelleJanuary 11, 2011 at 10:15 PM

    Absolutely incredible.

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  16. AM!January 11, 2011 at 10:33 PM

    yah you and your lil' girl;)
    love it.

    yeah!!

    and love that she knows you love coffee!

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  17. AnonymousJanuary 12, 2011 at 12:00 AM

    Wow, that totally made me tear up. What a sweetheart. You have done something good to get a daughter like that!

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  18. CarolineJanuary 12, 2011 at 12:48 AM

    that made me cry...good tears...this is PURE LOVE
    clearly you are doing a wonderful job at that motherhood thing that is so hard at times and always so magical

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  19. XLMICJanuary 12, 2011 at 1:09 AM

    Kids are the best... and when they do stuff like that, well, that's the BEST!!! Clearly you are doing something right ;-) This got me teary, too.

    I know it sounds all AA, but thanks for sharing this with us, Beth. Really.

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  20. AnonymousJanuary 12, 2011 at 3:24 AM

    WOW!!!! brilliant!!! may the blessings continue!

    you write well

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  21. Courtney @ I CAN DO THISJanuary 12, 2011 at 4:40 AM

    Awesome! Something to treasure :)

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  22. UnknownJanuary 12, 2011 at 4:51 AM

    well it sure seems like you are raising her right, such an amazing gift from a pretty cool girl! Hello Boston!
    :)
    LC

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  23. AnonymousJanuary 12, 2011 at 5:24 AM

    I always knew she was an amazing little girl, just like her mom!

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  24. SueJanuary 12, 2011 at 5:25 AM

    what a wonderful girl you are raising!

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  25. kilaxJanuary 12, 2011 at 5:43 AM

    What a totally awesome note! I could not agree more about being supportive and there for family. That is what it's all about!

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  26. Scott & PhoebeJanuary 12, 2011 at 5:54 AM

    You may be an Athleta Super Model. You may be Dean's best running buddy. You may be the world's best bodily function describer.

    But, clearly, your greatest achievement has to be your kids. What a beautiful note. (And what a lucky teacher she has if she writes that fluently at age 9!!) Congrats on fostering that kind of empathy and compassion.

    All that other stuff is just gravy.

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  27. GracieJanuary 12, 2011 at 5:58 AM

    Aw, this was an unexpectedly sweet sight for your blog, lol! What a dear daughter. I'm sure it's rewarding to find your child as in-tune to yourself as you have always tried to be to them.

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  28. TeamarciaJanuary 12, 2011 at 6:06 AM

    OMG that is precious! Best gift ever!

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  29. TaraJanuary 12, 2011 at 6:16 AM

    That is so sweet; you've got a great daughter and great support system Beth.

    Glad your run went well even if it was kind of awkward. I did my first run/walk this weekend and felt like Bambi.

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  30. AnonymousJanuary 12, 2011 at 6:18 AM

    Very sweet, a great gift that shows her love!

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  31. adenaJanuary 12, 2011 at 6:26 AM

    I don't have kids and this post made me want one. Love it!

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  32. StefanieJanuary 12, 2011 at 6:49 AM

    How Cool! I don't know what else to say other than you have raised a mighty fine daughter!

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  33. BethJanuary 12, 2011 at 6:51 AM

    You have to be doing something right, that kid is pretty darn special. You are a blessed woman, injury or no injury. Keep looking on the bight side =)

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  34. KitteeJanuary 12, 2011 at 7:05 AM

    This post brought a tear to my eye. Kids are amazing, but they learn from their parents. You are such an awesome example to your daughter. All mom's feel they could be doing a better job. Looks like you are right on track!

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  35. bobbiJanuary 12, 2011 at 7:05 AM

    LOVE that she did that for you - what a great gift!

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  36. MichelleJanuary 12, 2011 at 7:24 AM

    What a wonderful gift from clearly a wonderful little girl! Nice job mom!

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  37. Lisa from Lisa's YarnsJanuary 12, 2011 at 7:36 AM

    Aww, that is incredibly sweet! You can see how much she loves and adores you! I have no doubt that you are an awesome mom. You live with passion and that will rub off on your kids.

    When I ran my first marathon, my little sister sent me a care package - she did something similar w/ cut-outs from magazine. It was the best gift ever!

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  38. AnonymousJanuary 12, 2011 at 7:37 AM

    No poop? Clearly she is not a teenager yet...

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  39. CarlyJanuary 12, 2011 at 7:38 AM

    That is so sweet! What a kid!

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  40. justmeJanuary 12, 2011 at 7:38 AM

    precious and priceless

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  41. TerriJanuary 12, 2011 at 7:43 AM

    That is great! Show the Boston who is boss, for your daughter! :)

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  42. Bethany + RyanJanuary 12, 2011 at 7:52 AM

    SO cute!!! what a sweet kid!

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  43. AnonymousJanuary 12, 2011 at 8:10 AM

    She made *me* cry with that note. What wonderful children you have. Such a blessing. Mine are equally as wonderful, and I am so thankful. They are still telling me how proud they are about my running the marathon this weekend...even though they thought it was boring just standing around waiting. They get it, which means I guess we've done something right.

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  44. JillJanuary 12, 2011 at 8:27 AM

    Having a 20-year old right now who I barely see (and she lives part time at home), I love to go back and read notes like these she gave me when she was little. Maybe that's not good, I'm not sure, but I love to look back on those sweet, innocent ages for a few minutes every day!

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  45. BootchezJanuary 12, 2011 at 8:41 AM

    Ok, I don't have kids, I don't want kids, hell, I don't even LIKE kids ... That? Was awesome. Really, really fine.

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  46. AnonymousJanuary 12, 2011 at 8:47 AM

    That is really something special to treasure through the end of time! You are definitely doing something right! Cheers!

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  47. fundersonJanuary 12, 2011 at 8:48 AM

    That is the sweetest thing...hands down. Obviously you're doing a damned fine mothering job.

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  48. EmilyJanuary 12, 2011 at 8:56 AM

    This is precious. And will be so inspirational as you get to the start line in Hopkinton! You can show it to all the runners in athletes village and brag that you have the most supportive daughter ever.

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  49. MarleneJanuary 12, 2011 at 8:59 AM

    That's the sweetest thing ever!

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  50. DebJanuary 12, 2011 at 9:05 AM

    Wow, a very special gift indeed. Frame that!! And maybe put a copy of your blog response on the back for you and her to share always.

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  51. ElizabethJanuary 12, 2011 at 9:18 AM

    So sweet! I love it. Really really dear. I am still cool to my 8-year-old too (the 13 and 11 year olds...forget about it!). She still likes to do things with me like snuggle and go grocery shopping and have coloring contests, and she would sleep nestled between Hubby and me every night if we let her.

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  52. KatieJanuary 12, 2011 at 9:27 AM

    this is amazing. what a wonderful daughter you have! it shows towards the love that must be hanging around in your family. :)

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  53. BeckaJanuary 12, 2011 at 9:48 AM

    What a sweet gift!!

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  54. WannabeRunnerJanuary 12, 2011 at 10:06 AM

    So, so sweet. You have great kids. :)

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  55. RobinJanuary 12, 2011 at 10:08 AM

    Awesome!

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  56. Randee and AngieJanuary 12, 2011 at 10:18 AM

    Love this! The best motivation a mom could get!

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  57. AnonymousJanuary 12, 2011 at 10:22 AM

    This totally made me tear up.

    What an awesome gift.

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  58. runninglawyerJanuary 12, 2011 at 10:25 AM

    So cute!!! Glad to see your daughter is behind you - I am sure she picked up on your nervousness intuitively, and the paper is so adorable! I love that she calls it "the Boston" too. Enjoy the love while it lasts, soon she'll be a snarky teenager.... :S

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  59. Just Run With ItJanuary 12, 2011 at 10:33 AM

    That is so sweet, your daughter has a heart of gold. And she's right, darn straight you'll be at The Boston!

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  60. EmzJanuary 12, 2011 at 10:34 AM

    thank God for daughters.

    It
    IS
    the
    little
    things
    in
    life.

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  61. Shellyrm ~ just a country runnerJanuary 12, 2011 at 10:54 AM

    Sometimes the people in our lives have GREAT timing.

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  62. John and BeccaJanuary 12, 2011 at 11:26 AM

    Ok, that was one of the most thoughtful actions EVER! Made me tear up too...gheez. My son, Sam is going to be 7 next week it is hitting me smack dab in the face just how fast he is going to grow into a dreadded adult. We just want our children to be happy and healthy. Kind and giving. What a great glimpse into your daughters future! You are a lucky gal! :)

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  63. Rose @ Eat, Drink, and Be MeiriJanuary 12, 2011 at 11:40 AM

    That is so sweet!

    I love the Bachelor, too. I think next week I will unveil my Bachelor Work Out Program.

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  64. DeniseJanuary 12, 2011 at 12:04 PM

    that is so sweet and she is so right!

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  65. A Prelude To...January 12, 2011 at 12:28 PM

    What an amazing kid!
    I used to ask the kids once in a while if they wanted me to be doing something more or doing something different or changing something about me and they would always say "of course not!"...like how could I dare ask such a question.

    Now they are a little older, and I'm afraid of what their answers might be. I know some of what they would say...
    It's getting harder and harder, this parenting thing. I thought the hard years were diapers and midnight tears, but I was wrong.

    Great post, Beth. You are obviously still the love of this little girl's life!

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  66. NicoleJanuary 12, 2011 at 12:45 PM

    So adorable! You have the sweetest, most loving family.
    Your daughter is too sweet.

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  67. JasonJanuary 12, 2011 at 1:54 PM

    That is just pure awesome. I dream of the day when my chico makes me something. When he fully grasps what it is I do, but then that means he has gotten older and that is tough to swallow.

    And this was my favorite part and why you went out on a L.I.M.B. today:

    When you love someone, you support them in their passions. You care about what they do, who they spend time with, how they feel. You are around. A lot. Just in case they need you. You give them space to be who they are, yet check back frequently to see how their journey is going. You can be counted on.You do what you say you are going to do.

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  68. AronJanuary 12, 2011 at 3:28 PM

    so so so awesome :)

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  69. LBJanuary 12, 2011 at 4:03 PM

    how sweet. what an awesome daughter!!! my daughter is only 3 (and still pretty much non-verbal) but i know she totally gets me. she always does the cutest, nicest things when i need it most. something to be said for a mother/daughter connection. love it!

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  70. ShanaJanuary 12, 2011 at 4:27 PM

    I love that kinda stuff. They know us.

    Can I cut and past one of your paragraphs onto my new blog? giving you credit of course.

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  71. stefanieJanuary 12, 2011 at 5:17 PM

    What a great gift you got from your daughter!

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  72. Siobhan McCarthy.caJanuary 12, 2011 at 5:27 PM

    That's AMAZING! It's not even my gift and it brought tears to my eyes. It's so awesome that you're bringing it to "The Boston." (Which is also, too cute!)

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  73. UnknownJanuary 12, 2011 at 6:40 PM

    That's SERIOUSLY special. Pure AWESOMENESS.

    Winks & Smiles,
    Wifey

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  74. JennJanuary 12, 2011 at 9:09 PM

    For once I read your blog and actually cried instead of laughed! Best gift ever for sure!! So many rewards in being a mom!

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  75. UnknownJanuary 12, 2011 at 9:12 PM

    Wow... you're a lucky momma! :)

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  76. Caratunk GirlJanuary 13, 2011 at 6:03 AM

    That is so awesome!! So sweet.

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  77. NicoleJanuary 13, 2011 at 6:37 AM

    what a little dollface! :) your baby girl is so sweet!

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  78. AnonymousJanuary 14, 2011 at 10:54 AM

    adorable!!!

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  79. The Boring RunnerJanuary 18, 2011 at 9:21 PM

    THIS is why I had kids. Awesome kiddo you have there. AWESOME.

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  80. Julie HJanuary 19, 2011 at 2:49 PM

    You need to stick that away until she's 16 or so and thinks your stupid. Take it out and remember that she used to be great kid lol. (obviously I'm a mom of a 16 year old..)

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