Know you are loved

A working mom said, “I knew without hesitation that they were loved and safe and thriving and so I’ve never doubted my decision not to stay home with them.” I do not doubt she did love her children. What struck me about what she said was the focus of the sentence. Her knowing she loves her children is one thing. But did they know it? Perhaps they did, she doesn’t say. There are more ways than just staying home with your children to show you love your family.

I know my parents love me because of their interest in my life, their support of my decisions, their joy at my joy, their sorrow at my pain. I know my husband loves me because of how hard he works for our family, because he cuddles with me when I get back in bed after a 4am breakfast for our daughter, because of his participation in my interests. I know my daughter loves me because she smiles at me and stops crying when I pick her up or hold her hand (unless it is bath time, she hates bath time).

And I love them. I try to show it in so many ways each day. It is so much more important for them to know I love them than for me to know it. It does neither of us any good if I’m the only one who knows (but I’m not going to make a show of it here).

Have you told those you love lately that you love them? Have you called just to say you care?