What I Would Say? Should I Say? [RANT]

Lately, my mind is filled with words I would say. My brain chases these words up and down its halls, wanting to free them. I keep them to myself for fear of inadvertently insulting someone or being misunderstand. So I thought I would post them here. I hope they offer some nugget of hope or clarity. Maybe the person who inspired each of these thoughts will actually get a chance to read them and be uplifted.

For those I love who no longer see themselves when they look in the mirror:

I love you. I know you look in a mirror and see your imperfections, but I see the person I love. You may have aged since we first met, but I see your youth, vibrance, and inner beauty. I don't care if your hair is out of place or your makeup is smeared. I just want to spend time with you. I gather people have the same feelings about my house, despite the transients who apparently live in my living room and love board books.

Please don't try to keep me away when I say I want to see you. Accept my request to visit for what it is and let me see the person I see. Maybe, you'll be able to see that beautiful soul too.

For the good husbands/wives of my friends:

Even though we have never met, I adore you. When your spouse speaks of you, it is with great respect and love. You help raise their children as if they truly were your own flesh and blood. The effect you have on my friend, bringing hope and inspiration, encouraging them to be better every day,  and standing by them even in the most difficult circumstances, makes me so glad you found each other.

Furthermore, when I see other people insulting or attacking you, I want to leap to your defense. Don't let them make you question what your marriage brings to the world. Dump those "friends". Find more friends who see the incredible person I see. Spend time with people who are inspired by your strong marriage and obvious love, respect, and affection for each other. To me, you are part of the good in the world.

For people who think I am ignoring them:

I'm not ignoring you. Life sometimes sends me running to keep up with what I absolutely must do. If my daughter needs me in the middle of my bustling, I stop. She doesn't understand that mommy needs to teach a class, wash the dishes, fold the laundry, or run to the bathroom. I assume adults have the emotional maturity to understand that sometimes I can't stop to chat. Try setting up a "play date" with me instead of trying to stop me when I am racing to the church class that I teach, trying to grab the week's groceries between my daughter's feedings, or weaving through the throng to find my seat and prepare for sacrament meeting.

For the parent who thinks they are failing at parenting:

Are you giving your child love? Do you provide them food, clothing, and shelter? Do they smile when they see you and reach out to you? Do they call for you when bad dreams or hunger disrupt their day? Are you offering support (moral, physical, financial) to your parenting partner?
If you are caring for your child's basic needs, you are a good parent. If you are making sacrifices for your child, you are a great parent.

Remember to take care of yourself while you are caring for your little ones. They need you here for them much more than they need you to buy them expensive toys and Disney vacations. Be kind to yourself. Don't put yourself down or let yourself belief that your all isn't enough. If you didn't love your babies, you wouldn't care or feel guilty for "not doing enough". Just keep being the best parent you can be and don't compare yourself to anyone else.

To my readers:

I hope you are enjoying these tidbits from my mind. Like most people, I appreciate a little feedback and this blog has a comment section for that reason. Which types of posts do you like best? What will bring you back time after time to see what words have flowed from week to week?